“Proactive, productive and a true asset” – that’s how a Walsall Healthcare worker has been described after he was honoured with two awards, including one at regional level.
Steve Worrallo, a Clinical Support Worker (CSW) in Imaging at Walsall Manor Hospital, has been named Black Country Facility System Allied Health Professional (AHP) Support Worker of the Year.
AHPs cover Diagnostic Radiography, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practitioners, Orthoptics, Orthotics, Paramedics, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Prosthetics, Therapeutic Radiography and Speech and Language Therapy.
One of 10 full-time CSWs and 20 CSWs altogether in Imaging, former general porter Steve also scooped AHP Support Worker of the year 2022 for Walsall Healthcare.
Steve, who has been with the Trust for 13 years, assists sonographers, radiographers and doctors in the clinical areas and stock takes to ensure the clinic runs smoothly.
As one of the most experienced CSWs in a team which is in the process of recruiting six new staff, Steve’s input has been vital to ensuring its success.
Nominations were anonymous for the awards, which were across all four Black Country NHS Trusts – Walsall, The Royal Wolverhampton, Sandwell and West Birmingham and The Dudley Group – but Steve’s was wholesome in its praise for his work.
It read: “Steve has recently returned to his post from a secondment from the COVID-19 team. He is proactive, productive and takes a real pride in his work. He takes the initiative to ensure less experienced support workers feel adequately trained and is always happy to assist in filling in gaps with their knowledge.
“He is well-liked by both patients and staff due to his sunny disposition and wicked sense of humour. It’s impossible not to enjoy your day at work with Steve working alongside you.
“Everything he does always has the patients’ best interests at heart. He is a true asset to our department and we really do feel his hard work should not go unrecognised.”
Married to Beccy, a Sister on Intensive Care Unit at the Manor, Steve, 35, who lives in Wednesbury, became a father for the third time – all sons – five weeks ago.
The new arrival – adding to a 12 year-old and five year-old – means plans to complete a two-year apprenticeship to become a radiographer practitioner are on hold for the time being, but he hopes to be able to do so in the not-too-distant future.
Steve, pictured left, receiving his award from Matt Craven, Chief AHP, said: “It’s a proud achievement – I feel honoured and over the moon. A massive thank you to my colleagues and for those who have nominated me for appreciating what I do. But the award is not just for me but for my team too.
“I love my job and enjoy coming to work each day. I enjoy working with the people I work with and can’t fault them.”
Hayley Whitehouse, Deputy Professional Lead for Imaging, said: “We’re delighted Steve has won as it promotes his hard work and dedication to the Imaging Department and most importantly, patient care.
“Steve’s return has given him the confidence to try to make positive changes for staff and patients. He’s done this using his own initiative and he thoroughly deserves this award. It’s even more special Steve has won for both our Trust and for the Black Country.”
Nominations for the internal award could be based on taking the time to care for others, treating patients with compassion and empathy, dignity, and respect.