A SPEECH therapist has picked up a top award at a Salisbury NHS Foundation trust awards event.

Lizzie Goodyear won the Patient Experience Award, nominated by members of the community, at the Trust’s Staff Awards ceremony, held on September 5.

She won the award for demonstrating commitment, compassion and care for patients, judges said.

“She was honoured for going above and beyond, using her experience and skills with British Sign Language (BSL) to improve the experience of Deaf and hard of hearing patients, and ensuring Salisbury District Hospital continues to improve as a deaf-aware hospital,” a spokesperson said.

“This is a special award, with nominations from patients and other members of the public for hospital staff who have made a significant impact upon improving the patient experience, either for an individual patient in their work department or for the wider Trust.”

Interim chief executive of the Trust, Lisa Thomas, added: “The Staff Awards are a significant and meaningful event in our annual calendar.

“We are grateful that the Patient Experience Award is enthusiastically embraced by our local community.

“This award offers patients and the public the opportunity to offer their appreciation for our professional, hard-working and committed people.

“It also gives encouragement to continue our efforts in providing compassionate care for our patients.”