FRONTLINE hospital staff have been awarded for acts of kindness.

Receptionists and booking teams at Basildon Hospital, in Nethermayne, were praised for going out of their way to help patients in the latest monthly staff awards.

Carole Butterworth, a receptionist in the outpatient department, was named top employee after a patient nominated her for correcting a mistake with her appointment.

The patient, who did not want to be named, said: “I was slightly annoyed, but after the help I received, it cheered me up a lot. Carole went completely out of her way to fit me into another clinic and ensured I was kept informed as she ran round the hospital looking for the doctor.”

Handing Mrs Butterworth her certificate, chief executive Clare Panniker said: “Sometimes it is the small things that make a massive difference; you could just shrug and say sorry, or really try to help, as you did.”

The Patient Access Team, which is reponsible for booking appointments, was named team of the month.

They were nominated by colleague David Partridge, finance manager, for coping well under intense pressure, and quickly adjusting to a new computer system.

Mr Partridge said: “I feel they are unsung heroes.”

Ella Jolly, Christina Wheatley and Lisa Hedgecock accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Mrs Hedgecock, operational manager, said: “We are the first port of call at the Trust, and patients may be worried about why their GP is referring them to hospital.

“That is why it is very important we are compassionate, calm and helpful.”

Addressing the team, Mrs Panniker said: “I am glad you were nominated, as you are one of a number of teams in the Trust who have really pulled out all the stops recently, coping with the introduction of new computer systems.

“It is only right you get recognition for your hard work and efforts to make sure things continue to run smoothly for our patients.”