Plymouth health care assistant wins national award

Fiona Dilorenzo, Specialist Learning Disability Liaison Acute Health Care Assistant (HCA) at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, has won a national award.

The Royal College of Nursing institute (RCNi) awards were held in London on Wednesday 4 July, where Fiona was announced the winner in the HCA of the Year category.

Part of Fiona’s role is to support patients who may otherwise find attending a hospital appointment a very difficult experience.

Fiona was nominated by colleagues at University Hospitals Plymouth based on her ability to encourage even the most anxious patients to come into the hospital and attend their appointments.

One patient who is regularly supported by Fiona, Sean McCann, said: “Fiona is excellent. If I’m here, Fiona’s here and it’s a real help to have that.

“She helps with my health assessments and I think she’s marvellous. It’s nice to have help with medical things but she helps with other things as well. She really goes the extra mile.”

Fiona and Emilia Clarke Following the award ceremony Fiona said: “It was a great honour to be nominated for this award and I was even more overwhelmed and humbled to win especially after meeting the competition and hearing about the great work they do.

“I wish to thank my colleagues in the Learning Disability Hospital Team as it would not have been possible without their support. I love my job and helping our patients get the same access to hospital care as the general population gives me great satisfaction.”

Congratulations Fiona, on winning this well-deserved award!