UNISON member Margaret Canavan (above centre) is officially a health hero after being named ‘operational support worker of the year’ at the Our Health Heroes awards in London.
Affectionately known as Mags, Margaret is a ward housekeeper at Belfast City Hospital and has worked in the NHS for over 25 years.
In her current role, Mags helped to turn a disused space into a warm and vibrant activity room for patients with dementia and delirium and spent many hours of her own time turning her vision into a reality.
She received her award at the third annual Our Health Heroes from UNISON head of health Sara Gorton, who said: “Healthcare support staff work tirelessly in the NHS every day to ensure patients are getting the best possible care.
“The deserving winners of the Our Health Heroes awards go above and beyond and are a true asset to the NHS.
“The efforts of support staff can often be overlooked. These dedicated employees need to be celebrated, recognised, valued and rewarded.”