A MOVING tribute to a late Oldham nurse who cared for more than 50 years set an emotional tone at this year’s Pennine Care People Awards.
Erika Slater, who died last year, was honoured during the ceremony with a special film after being nominated for the ‘Ray of Sunshine’ award.
Her story was one of several powerful moments in an evening dedicated to celebrating the people behind mental health, learning disability and autism services across Oldham and Greater Manchester.
Around 400 guests attended the sponsored event, now in its fourth year, hosted by broadcaster Stephanie Hirst. The ceremony featured nine awards, with 27 finalists selected from over 500 nominations.
Pennine Care’s chief executive Anthony Hassall told attendees: “Our Pennine Care People Awards is a powerful reminder of what makes our organisation so special. Our incredible colleagues are the beating heart of the NHS.
“In the face of ongoing challenges, their compassion, innovation and resilience continue to change lives every day.”
Chair Claudette Elliott added: “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most compassionate, committed and skilled people I’ve ever known. As a former auxiliary nurse and social worker, I understand how demanding frontline care can be – yet our colleagues continue to show up, care deeply and make a difference every single day.”
The Cedars ward team at The Royal Oldham Hospital claimed the Team of the Year title. The older male dementia unit was praised for consistently delivering dignified, person-centred care and for transforming challenges “into progress”, creating a setting where “patients and staff thrive”.
Oldham also featured in the Great Improvement Award, which went to the Living Well services operating across Oldham and Tameside – as well as Bury, Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale, Stockport and Glossop.
The services were recognised for bridging the gap between primary and specialist mental health care, adopting a ‘no wrong door’ approach that brings together NHS teams, GPs, social workers and voluntary organisations.
The Brilliant Partnership Award was presented to the trust’s new starters project team, credited with simplifying and humanising the process so new staff feel supported from day one.
More details about the finalists and winners can be found at penninecare.nhs.uk/awards2025.