Two employees from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust have been awarded with a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for their dedication and hard-work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

David Anderson, chaplain at the Trust, and Sue Chapman, deputy divisional director of estates and facilities, were awarded with the medal after going above and beyond to help both patients and staff through the challenging months.

Rev. Anderson was awarded the BEM after helping boost staff morale through his ‘Conversations with Jasper’ sessions with therapy dog Jasper, as well as spearheading the creation of ‘Oasis’ rooms on the hospital site so staff can take time away from the ward to reflect on their experiences.

He also helped patients stay connected with loved ones through Zoom calls, which proved to be instrumental in helping to reduce loneliness and isolation among patients when relatives could not visit.

Rev. Anderson said: “It's a wonderful honour and privilege to be included within the Queens Honour List and very humbling.

"I feel incredibly proud to part of an amazing team here at ELHT and work alongside so many amazing colleagues.

"I hope that this award can be seen as a tribute to every member of staff who have equally given everything over the last few months and will do again in the coming weeks and months.”

Alongside Rev. Anderson, Sue Chapman worked with a local business to bring in a fleet of motor homes for extra accommodation to keep staff and their families protected during the outbreak; directed more than 100 ward movements and upgrades, and helped the catering facility prepare and deliver more than 3,000 meals for staff each day.

She said: "I'm extremely honoured to have been awarded the British Empire Medal and very surprised that out of over 9,000 ELHT staff I have been chosen to receive the honour as every single ELHT employee deserves this recognition."

Kevin McGee, chief executive at the trust, said: “David and Sue have gone above and beyond during the pandemic positively impacting both patients and staff.

"Their work has been invaluable, and has made a big difference to many people’s lives.”