Sandi Gibbs, left, received the Our Roots award on behalf of the nursing team, and Jill Nayler received the Our Sunflower award on behalf of Carol Thompson. George Hibberd presented the awards. Picture by Peter Boam.
TO CELEBRATE the 30th anniversary of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, an awards ceremony was hosted to mark the staff's dedication and hard work.
The first Staff Sunflower Awards, sponsored by Isle of Wight Pearl, was held last Friday in the new John Cheverton Centre at the hospice, which is due to open next Friday, October 12.
Both clinical and administrative staff were invited to nominate each other for the eight floral-themed categories.
Chief executive of the hospice, Tina Harris, said: "Our staff are at the heart of Earl Mountbatten Hospice and they often contribute so much more than their day-to-day jobs.
"I am inspired by the support and respect that people have for each other across all parts of the hospice and their commitment to ensuring we provide the best patient care possible."
Almost 100 nominations were received, with many staff explaining at length why they felt their colleague was deserving. An independent panel spent many hours creating a short-list, before selecting the winners, who were presented with a pearl gift, a sunflower, and a certificate.
• More pictures and full list of awards in today's (Friday) Isle of Wight County Press.
Reporter: sarab@iwcpmail.co.uk