Unsung hero Hazel is judged a 'Rock' by Bosses –
One of nearly 100 awards presented at Doncaster PCTs' annual ceremony

A woman whose vital back room work helps keep Doncaster's front-line health services running smoothly has been judged as 'solid as a rock' by her bosses.

Hazel Bell, from Bessaccarr, was presented with Doncaster Central Primary Care Trust's annual 'Rock' award for the excellent work she's done for the NHS over the past 26 years. As Community Support Manager based at the PCT's headquarters at Ten Pound Walk, Hazel is responsible for sorting out the day-to-day administrative issues that enable district nurses, health visitors and other staff to do their job.

The PCT introduced the Rock Award three years ago to celebrate the strong foundations the NHS is built on. Doncaster Central PCT Chief Executive Ann Ballarini, one of the judges, said: "Hazel is kind, considerate, friendly and always ready to help out. She is always in the background doing a first class job and never seeks the limelight. She really personifies what the Rock Award is designed to represent".

A shocked Hazel said she was "thrilled to receive the award". She wasn't aware she had been nominated until moments before her name was announced. Colleagues kept her nomination secret and invited her to the event to accompany colleague Liz Hedge, who was collecting a long service award for clocking up more than 25 years with the NHS.

The award was one of nearly 100 presented at the joint annual awards ceremony for Doncaster East and Doncaster Central primary care trusts at Armthorpe's Castle Park. Special guests were Don Valley MP and Gabrielle Atmarrow, Director for Nursing and Care Pathways at South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority.

Ms Flint presented educational achievement awards to nearly 70 staff whose studies had been supported by the NHS, in subjects ranging from counselling to family planning. She said: "Life is a continual learning curve and it's vitally important that we keep our skills up to date by taking advantage of the educational opportunities open to us."

Gabrielle Atmarrow, Director for Nursing and Care Pathways at South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority presented long service certificates to 16 staff who between them have recorded nearly 450 years with the NHS, including June Helliwell with 39 years and Sheila Blow not far behind with 37.