A HEALTHCARE support worker in York has received a community award after being praised for ‘being a natural when it comes to delivering care’.

Joanne Slimene won the York Community Pride award as Health Service Hero, sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, at the annual ceremony at York Racecourse on Thursday night (September 5).

Testimonials read to other winners and finalists came from those left with a ‘lasting impression’ of the Heworth resident's work at York Hospital, where a night shift prevented her from attending the awards ceremony in person.

Joanne said: "I feel honoured to win the award but it's for all the team, for Ward 26.

"We all take pride in what we do and I collect this award on their behalf.

"I've worked with them for more than ten of my 14 years at York District Hospital.

"We just all work together - with all our highs and lows - we stick together.

"I love working for the NHS - and we do it because we love it".

Joanne was described as a ‘ray of sunshine’ during a difficult first few weeks of one patient’s stay in one of the wards, ‘brightening the darkest days with her wonderful personality and caring nature’.

One of the nominations cited said ‘to some people it is a job, but it appears to Joanne that it is a vocation, she is such a natural when it comes to delivering care with dignity, compassion and empathy'.

Joanne's award was accepted by Andrew Clarkin of LocalIQ, presented by Steven Graham from sponsor Latimer by Clarion Housing Group.