Newham wins double awards
A HOSPITAL cleric dedicated to helping the grieving has been declared the Healthcare Hero of the Year.
Yunus Dudwala, Head of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Services and Muslim chaplain at Newham University Hospital NHS Trust, won a �20,000 Renault Megane.
Showbiz stars were among the audience as Yunus scooped the title at the Healthcare, Excellence and Leadership Awards at The Royal College of Surgeons in London last week.
He had been on a shortlist of 20 healthcare stars from all aspects of the NHS.
Yunus said: “I am extremely honoured and humbled by the support shown to me by staff in the hospital and the community at large for me to achieve this award. It is not only about me, it is an award that recognises the hard work of all staff in the NHS.’’
He added: “This is a great credit to Chaplaincy as on many occasions it is a hidden department in hospitals.
“But the support received from the community shows how important spiritual care is to many patients and families, especially at the time of significant news and bereavement. I want to thank everyone who voted for me. In reality, everyone who works in the NHS is a hero!”
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In 2003, Yunus became the first person in the UK from a minority faith to lead a Chaplaincy Department in the NHS.
He has helped countless patients, families and staff at very difficult and challenging times. Yunus has helped to devise and change policies, practices and environment in the Trust to improve the experience for patients and families.
The Trust had a double celebration after being declared the Greenest Hospital.
Hugh Steward, Director of Environment and Client Services, said: “I am delighted to have received the award on behalf of myteam and the wider Trust.
“This accolade is a fitting testament to the hard work, dedication and vision of members of the Environment and Client Services Team – all of whom deliver high-quality and sector leading services and facilities to the people of Newham.”
The awards, hosted by 24/7 Media Group, were attended by more than 250 healthcare professionals and actress Barbara Windsor, ChildLine founder and TV presenter Esther Rantzen and newsreader Moira Stuart. The accolades were voted for by healthcare professionals, patients and the public.
