‘The most genuinely kind-hearted person I’ve ever met’ – Hospital domestic wins Children’s Star Award

Described by one person who nominated him as ‘the most genuinely kind-hearted person I’ve ever met’, Getahun Tamrat was presented with the award at the first virtual Children’s Star Award ceremony last Friday.

Another who nominated Getahun said he told the children inspirational stories about how he came from an orphanage in Ethiopia and how they could do anything they wished if they tried hard.

“He turned tears into smiles and even cheered the parents and staff up,” the nomination read.

Winning the team award was the ‘world-class’ staff in the eye department who were praised for their work for young patients with cataracts.

One parent said the staff in the eye department ‘provided families with a positive future’ and said they were ‘very lucky’ to have them on their doorstep.

Another described how they taught their seven-year-old son to do his own contact lenses and said they did an ‘amazing job’ getting babies and toddlers to take vision tests.

The Sheffield Children’s Star Awards 2020 were sponsored by NHS Professionals and the GMB Union and recognised staff from across the trust from porters and doctors to behind the scenes administrative staff and front line nurses.

Nicola McQueen, chief executive of NHS Professionals, said they were ‘delighted’ to once again support the Children’s Star Awards.

She said: “This is a great way to recognise all the exceptional staff who have gone the extra mile in supporting and caring for children and young people. 2020 has been an extraordinary year, so a huge well done and thank you to all the nominees and winners!"

And Sarah Young, GMB Union, Sheffield health branch secretary, said they were ‘really proud’ to support the Star Awards to recognise the ‘amazing’ work done across the trust.

She said: “It’s disappointing we couldn’t all be together to celebrate the work Sheffield Children’s does. We will make the most of a virtual celebration and congratulations to everyone who was nominated, thank you for all your fantastic work.”

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