Machinist from Northumbria Healthcare’s Manufacturing and Innovation Hub shortlisted for national award

The Unsung Hero Awards highlight the contributions made by non-clinical and non-medical NHS staff and volunteers to their trusts.

Sandra started at Northumbria Healthcare as a volunteer sewing machinist during the pandemic. During this time, Sandra showed great dedication, passion and willingness to help which resulted in being offered a permanent contract.

Since then, Sandra has become an integral part of the production team and has organised numerous events for staff-wellbeing. Her events have become something that staff look forward to and in turn this has boosted motivation and productivity on both the production line and the wider team.

Alongside the support for those in the team, Sandra is passionate about supporting people into employment. She volunteers as a mentor for students from a local special needs school who come to the Hub on a weekly basis for work experience and has promoted careers in sewing at our public career events.

Talking about her nomination, Sandra said: “I couldn’t believe it, I felt really happy and proud. I was quite emotional at the time because I was thinking this is fantastic. I just think it’s so important that the unsung heroes get these awards.

“If I won, I would be over the moon but I’m already a winner being nominated and shortlisted and working alongside my colleagues in the factory”

Rosie Sexton, people and engagement lead at Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management said: “We are so proud of Sandra. Being shortlisted is a reflection of her commitment to supporting everybody in the team and she deserves to be recognised for going above and beyond.

“It’s great to see the work of non-clinical and non-medical staff acknowledged on a national scale. These roles contribute to a positive patient experience and that shouldn’t be overlooked.”

The awards ceremony takes place in Manchester on the 15 March and we wish Sandra the best of luck.