SOME of Somerset Partnership’s finest staff were celebrated at the NHS foundation trust’s annual staff awards ceremony for the inspiring care they provide to their patients.

More than 200 employees were nominated in 12 categories, including awards nominated by patients, staff and the trust chairman and chief executive.

The winners of four recognition awards at the event at Taunton Rugby Club were: •Commitment to Quality: Angela Manicom-Dyer, Emily Smith, Patricia Huggins and the Dene Barton Community Hospital team for their innovative approach to ensuring patients get the right medications, lotions and creams at the right time.

•Compassion in Care: Senta Stone, patient activities organiser on Pyrland Mental Health Ward, in Taunton, for organising therapeutic activities and charity events to improve patients’ stay and rehabilitation.

•Patient Choice Award: Jo Myers, receptionist for the child and adolescent mental health service, in Taunton, for the way she dealt with a patient, making him feel more confident and comfortable when arriving for appointments.

•Trust chairman's special award: retired governor Sheila Harvey, for her outstanding contribution to the work of the trust.

Dr Nick Broughton, chief executive of Somerset Partnership, said: "Behind each award and every nomination is a humbling story of staff going to every effort to help their patients and doing everything possible to respect their wishes."