Community Health Worker of the Year honoured

Dr Steven Ruffles of Portland Medical Practice, Anchor Meadow, won the first Walsall Community Health Worker of the Year award, at Star Quality 2005 on 27 October. Nominated by patients, Dr Ruffles has worked in Walsall for 19 years.

Kerry Dudley won the Extra Mile award, nominated by staff and contractors.

Paediatric Physiotherapy won the Improving Working Lives Team Award.

Roy Nesbitt, based at Dorothy Pattison Hospital, won the first Chairman's Award for a lifetime contribution.

Over 6000 years of service to the NHS were honoured in the long service awards.