A MEDICAL secretary at Fairfield Hospital has received a coveted award from an Olympic star.

Rayna Simons was named administrative or secretarial worker of the year at the Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust’s fifth annual staff awards.

Mrs Simons, described as “administratively excellent”, received the award at a glitzy ceremony in Manchester from James Cracknell, a double Olympic gold medalist in rowing.

Mrs Simons, from Bury, works in the lung cancer clinic at the hospital, liaising with patients and co-ordinating appointments and investigations.

She is described as being a “pleasure” to work with, having a “phenomenal” work ethic, fostering “excellent” relationships with staff and patients, as well as doing “everything with a smile”.

Hospital bosses say her work helps to get people out of hospital earlier than anticipated, reduce re-admissions and helps patients come to terms with their diagnosis. Mrs Simons said: “I am thrilled to have won the award as it is really lovely to feel appreciated and to get recognition.

“I love my job as medical PA to Paul O'Donnell, consultant respiratory physician at Fairfield and feel really lucky to work with such a great team.

“We all work so well together which is why our department functions successfully to achieve what we do.”

Staff at North Manchester General Hospital were also recognised, with Dr David Weir, a consultant in respiratory and general medicine, winning hospital doctor of the year, and Sister Adele West, who works in the diabetes centre, winning nurse of the year.

In addition, Adele Torkington, a pharmacist in the specialist infectious diseases unit, was named professional or technical worker of the year, and consultant radiologist Dr Shyam Sunder scooped the award for innovation, for his work in reducing the dose of radiation in renal CT scans.

Dr Gillian Fairfield, chief executive of the trust, added: “Our staff awards are just one way of publicly recognising and thanking those who have demonstrated exceptional care, skill and innovation and for all of their hard work and commitment.”