Wales healthcare support worker of the year named

_{John Clifford has been recognised for always going above and beyond the call of duty}

John Clifford, from Neath Port Talbot Hospital children’s centre, said the award was fantastic news, adding ‘it is nice to be recognised and I think the team I work with is close knit and everybody helps each other along’.

Rebecca Kennedy, clinical lead paediatric physiotherapist at Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, told Frontline: ‘John has always gone above and beyond the call of duty and gives 110% to his work.’

She added that he was extremely skilful in gaining cooperation and interaction from children attending the centre and that families and children quickly warmed to his good humoured and friendly approach.

Mr Clifford was a South Wales coal miner for 14 years until the closure of the mines. He then decided to pursue his interest in helping disabled children and has worked for the health board since 1994.

The award from UK-wide organisation Skills for Health will be presented to Mr Clifford at an event in London’s O2 centre in November.

• Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board lead paediatric physio, Rebecca Kennedy, contacted the CSP to say that people could vote for John Clifford as health care support worker of the year – for the whole of the UK. Voting is open until 6 November here