Our Housekeeping Manager wins gold at Health Heroes Awards!

Our Housekeeping Manager has won a prestigious award and is officially the National Operational Support Worker of the year.

Paula di Palma, who stepped up to lead the housekeeping team at St Raphael’s when Covid struck, scooped the top prize at the 2024 Our Health Heroes Awards on Tuesday 16 April delivered by Skills for Health.

Colleagues from the Hospice who refer to Paula as ‘a ray of sunshine’ nominated her for always going the extra mile with patients and volunteers and making them feel special.

Paula recently arranged a pizza party for a young patient whose family lived all around the world, an Easter egg hunt for a young family on the ward, as well as a last date night for an elderly couple the Hospice was caring for.

Every year, Paula comes into the Hospice on Christmas Day to cook and give presents to patients and goes out of her way to celebrate special occasions such as patients’ birthdays.

Speaking at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, Paula said:

“The fact that my colleagues and my peers nominated me is just overwhelming. I’m delighted for my work to be recognised with this award.

I feel so privileged and honoured to be in the company of such inspirational people. Winning this award is a wonderful reminder that everyday people can make a positive difference.”