In a world of saving lives using revolutionary care techniques, those who make sure patients arrive for their treatment in time can sometimes get overlooked.

But, the transport staff drove home on Wednesday last week with the top prize from the King George and Queen’s Hospitals annual awards after being nominated as heroes by patients.

Visitors and their relatives at the Romford and Goodmayes hospitals nominated the hardworking patient transport team to win the hospital hero award ceremony at The City Pavilion, in Collier Row Road, Collier Row.

Patient Karen Thompson was one person who nominated the patient transport team.

She said: “The people in this team have provided me with a lifeline to get to and from my hospital appointments. The staff are kind, patient and caring, and the they always work together to provide an excellent service.

“To me, the hospital transport staff are my heroes.”

Comedian Patrick Monahan, who has won televised stand up contests, presented the award alongside the chief executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust, Matthew Hopkins.

Romford town crier Tony Appleton was also at hand to host the event.

Mr Hopkins said: “It’s fantastic to acknowledge the achievements of our staff, who are working incredibly hard to always put our patients first, and to deliver our improvement plan, which is unlocking our potential.

“I am proud of the lengths our staff go to ensure our patients receive the best possible care.”

The evening celebrated 41 staff in total, including MRI radiographer Gerado Lagunzard, who was selected for the innovation and improvement award by staff.

So too was palliative care team leader Heather Wright who celebrated picking up the leader of the year award.

A special 50-year anniversary award was also presented to hospital broadcasters Bedrock Radio for filling the airwaves for half a century.

Read more:

Queen’s Hospital Travellers claim they are ‘treated like animals’

A&E like war zone, says Queen’s Hospital doctor

Queen’s Hospital surgeon who removed ovary instead of appendix ‘can keep job’