Winner: Anna Hanson
Anna Hanson is the College of Occupational Therapists/Stannah Stairlifts Occupational Therapist of the Year 2004. Congratulations to her and to the two runners-up, Jane Harpin and Danny Gates. Other finalists Wendy Daniels, Chris Davison and Katie Greathead were all highly commended by the judges.
Esther Rantzen, who joined the panel of judges for the first time, said:
"The role of an occupational therapist is often underestimated and misunderstood, which is why awards like these are so important. The work an OT does is invaluable to the clients, frequently making the difference between being able to live at home and going into care. I greatly enjoyed meeting with all six finalists and I hope that this award will go some way towards raising the profile of such a valuable profession."
Anna was nominated by carer, Alan, 'because she restored my wife to me for possibly the most important period of our lives'. Through her dedication and determination, Anna was able to ensure that Alan could be actively involved in the care of his sick wife in hospital and facilitated her being able to return to their home for a few precious weeks before she died.
Alan cannot express the gratitude he feels in allowing him and his wife that special time together and genuinely believes that without Anna's help it simply would not have been possible. As Alan says, 'Anna is a hero - on a daily basis'.
Anna, who works at Walton Hospital, Chesterfield, is characteristically modest about her success, although obviously moved. "I am very touched that Alan took the time to nominate me for this award. I am passionate about the work that I do and nothing gives me more pleasure than knowing that I have helped a patient remain in the comfort of their home as long as possible. The carer is often the forgotten party in tragic situations like this and I am glad that I could make this terrible time more bearable for Alan. I am truly delighted and overwhelmed!"
As well as being awarded the title of College of Occupational Therapists/Stannah Stairlift Occupational Therapist of the Year Award 2004, Anna will receive £1,000 in cash, and £2,500 towards the installation of a Stannah Stairlift into a location of her choice. She has also won two tickets, travel and accommodation for herself and an occupational therapist friend to attend the COT Annual Conference in Harrogate in June 2004.
Jon Stannah, Managing Director, comments:
"The judging panel was immensely impressed by all the candidates but Anna's enthusiasm and commitment to the profession was outstanding. We got the impression that nothing would be too difficult and that she sees every problem as surmountable. Like a great deal of work carried out within the health sector, it's easy to overlook the contribution of Occupational Therapists and by running this award we have been able to discover a few of life's unsung heroes."
