A HEALTHCARE assistant "who puts her patients first" has been nominated at this year's Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards.

Elaine Smith has been a healthcare assistant at Droitwich Spa Hospital, for the last six years.

Her nominator praised her caring nature and her incredible work ethic and dedication to her job.

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They said: "Elaine is a very caring individual who thinks about her patients, visitors and colleagues alike.

"She is extremely conscientious and makes sure she has completed all her tasks even if it means running over her time.

"She is also always willing to do additional hours and is very flexible to her work and with her colleagues.

"Elaine is also  courageous and always speaks up for her patients to ensure they get the best care."

Elaine's nominator also said that she always puts her patients first and acts as an advocate for them.

They said: "She regularly runs the cataract clinics, with most of the patients being older and vulnerable.

"Elaine ensures she communicates to the surgeon if any patients have different needs, and works with the team to possibly move the patient up a list.

She also makes sure these patients have tea, coffee and food if needed as they are waiting for long periods for surgery.

"She makes sure she continually keeps the patients up to date so they feel like they are left, and ensures a better patient experience through communication and her caring nature."

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The awards are in partnership with the University of Worcester and seek to shine a light on the health and social care workers in Worcestershire who go the extra mile. 

The 2023 awards will culminate in a black-tie dinner for all the finalists at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern on Thursday, September 14, where the winners will be announced.