Hospital porter Ken Burry has won West Hertfordshire Hospital’s NHS Trust’s "Celebrating Excellence Staff Award".

Ken, who works in Watford General’s acute admissions unit (AAU) and radiology department, was nominated for the monthly award by 30 different people.

The selection panel, which includes a patient, union representative and members of the Trust Board, voted unanimously for Ken to win.

Some of the nominations for Ken said: "He is an example of someone who genuinely cares for the patients he is asked to transfer and the staff with whom he works.  His portering is efficient and he has a wonderful manner with patients.

"He goes out of his way to make every patient feel at ease.  With staff and patients he's friendly and always has a smile.  Ken will exceed at any job he is given."

Ken was presented with his award by trust chairman, Mahdi Hasan, who said: "Porters play a vital role throughout our hospitals.  One minute they can be moving frail and often very ill patients between different departments and wards in safety and comfort.  The next they are transporting valuable and complex equipment that may need expert handling around our buildings. Without them the hospital could not function.

"Ken was nominated by an amazing number of people and I am absolutely delighted to have presented him with our award for June. Ken’s award is very well deserved and he is a credit to the portering team, our hospitals and the wider NHS."

Ken said: "I am very humbled and thank the 30 different people who voted for me. 

"The award is not something I was looking for or expecting.  As a non-clinical member of staff, I feel that good communication with patients and staff is the place to start for anyone working across Watford, Hemel Hempstead or St Albans hospitals."   

To nominate a member of staff at the trust, visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/award or pick up a nomination form in our hospitals.

For more health news click here.