YOU can vote for your favourite team at Torbay Hospital.

Each year patients, carers and the public can nominate individuals and teams who they believe have gone above and beyond to provide care for people as part of the Torbay and South NHS Foundation Trust’s Our People’s Choice Awards.

The annual staff recognition award scheme is one of two awards where people can nominate and vote for their favourite individual or team for providing excellent care to people in hospital or in the community.

All the nominations have been considered by a judging panel and three teams have been shortlisted. You can now read the nomination and vote for their choice, with the winner announced at Torbay and South Devon’s award celebration event in May.

The shortlisted finalists for the team award are:

• EAU4, Torbay Hospital

• Hutchings Ward Day Unit, Torbay Hospital

• George Earle Ward, Torbay Hospital

EAU4 was nominated by a patient’s carer for the exceptional care they delivered to a patient with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sensory issues, Long COVID, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing terrifying events which triggers flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety.

The team immediately recognised both his needs and those of his carer and arranged for him to move from a bay to a side room, reducing noise, light and social overwhelm.

This single action transformed his ability to cope. The private bathroom further eased his sensory fears around hygiene, allowing him to use the facilities without distress.

The nomination said: ‘The team demonstrated how thoughtful, person centred care can transform the experience of patients with hidden or complex needs and their carers’.

‘They truly went above and beyond’.

Hutchings Ward Day Unit was nominated by a patient for their person-centred care and making a patient feel welcome when coming for infusions.

The nomination said: ‘For the past eight years I regularly go to the day unit for my eight weekly infusions.

‘The whole team get to know you and they are really friendly.

‘At first I was apprehensive and worried as I had never had medication intravenously, but the team put you at ease and always make a great cuppa’.

George Earle Ward was nominated by a patient for their support and dedication to a patient throughout their stay on the ward.

The nomination said: ‘I would like to thank all the staff on George Earle Ward for being so supportive and helping me stay positive throughout my stay.

‘Your compassion and dedication are truly inspiring, and I’m so grateful for everything you do’.

Dr Kate Lissett, Chief Medical Officer, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘I am immensely proud of our caring colleagues and teams, and reading through this year’s nominations for the Our People’s Choice Awards was truly moving.

‘It has been hard but we have shortlisted three incredible teams.

‘We encourage everyone to read the nomination stories and vote for your People’s Choice team Award winner’.

People can vote and find out further information on Torbay and South Devon’s website at https://tsdft.uk/OPChoiceTeam

Voting will close on Friday, May 1.