Award for St George’s receptionist
Adeola Talabi with her London Health and Social Care Awards 2009 Unsung Hero award certificate
A receptionist at St George’s Hospital has been named as an `Unsung Hero` for her rapport with patients and dedication to her job in the 2009 London Health and Social Care Awards. Adeola Talabi, who joined St George’s as a general porter and who is currently part of the reception team, received her award at an evening dinner held at BAFTA on Wednesday 27 May, after being nominated by the hospital’s Portering Manager, Tony Shiel.
The Unsung Hero award recognises the contribution made by volunteers and non-clinical staff in London’s NHS and social care organisations. Awards in 13 other categories, highlighting different aspects of excellence in care, were made on the night.
Adeola with Portering Manager Tony Shiel who nominated her
Adeola was praised by Tony for her relationship with visitors and patients, particularly those who come frequently to the hospital, as well as her flexibility, hard work and her convictions about the standard of care patients should receive. She was one of the first St George’s staff members to take the NVQ Qualification in Support Services.
Tony said: “What Adeola has done in her own quiet and unassuming way has been nothing short of special. I can praise her to the roof, but what really counts is what patients think, and as they tell me again and again how her care and rapport make such a difference to the hospital, I can think of no better recommendation for this award. Adeola really is the ‘smiling face of St George’s.'”
Adeola said: “I am very happy to have received this award. It was a very proud moment for me and my family.”
Notes to editors
1. For more information, please contact the Communications Unit on 020 8725 5151 or emailcommunications@stgeorges.nhs.uk. Outside working hours, please page us by calling 0844 822 2888, leaving a short message and contact details for pager SG548..
2. The London Health and Social Care Awards are the regional section of a larger national awards scheme run by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement and the Department of Health. The Unsung Hero award is only presented at regional, and not national, level.
