TWELVE health stars are in the running to receive an award at this year’s health board Achievement Awards.

The Seren Betsi Award is presented each month to a member of staff, team or volunteer in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) in recognition of their efforts to go above and beyond.

Four of the 12 health stars are in the running for their work in and around Wrexham.

BCUHB staff vote for each monthly winner, but the annual overall star of the year, is selected thanks to votes from the general public.

The public can now vote for one of the previous winners over the last year to win the annual Seren Betsi Gold Award.

The winner will be revealed at the BCUHB Achievement Awards on the November 1, 2019 at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

Voting is now open via the website at https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/news/bcuhb-events/seren-betsi-star-of-the-year/

Nominees include:

Wrexham Maelor Emergency Department Sisters Cath Young and Lisa Scutt were recognised for their work to support people living with dementia who visit the unit.

The dynamic duo created a training programme which helps staff to understand how they can support dementia patients, introduced the ‘butterfly’ system at triage to help identify patients with memory problems, and worked to make the environment more dementia friendly.

Pharmacy colleagues Amber Wynne and Samantha Carvell were also worthy winners for the support they provided to a colleague who was finding work difficult following mental health issues.

The Wrexham-based pair have worked to provide outstanding support for their team, helping them feel safe and happy in the workplace, and challenging the stigma associated with mental health.

Also from Wrexham up for the award is Rhian Houseman, Wrexham midwife, who was nominated for her efforts to support a Bala mum who struggled to breastfeed after the birth of her daughter and the Gwanwyn Ward at Wrexham Maelor.

Staff on Gwanwyn Ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital were thanked for the care they deliver to meet the complex needs of people in the later stages of dementia. The staff manage difficult and distressing situations on a daily basis, but provide outstanding, sensitive care, treating patients with the respect they and their families deserve.