CHILDREN’S doctors at Basildon Hospital have picked up the top spot in a prestigious award after going above and beyond for patients and helping to train future experts.

The paediatric department was handed the Best Teaching Hospital Award, as part of The Paediatric Awards for Training Achievements (PAFTAs).

The team helps patients – infants, children and young people – who need hospital-based care.

PAFTAs go to paediatric doctors and teams who exceed expectations and recognise the very best in paediatric training.

Each of the 16 participating hospital trusts nominates members of staff for various awards.

Basildon Hospital’s paediatrics team received the maximum number of nominations from trainees, winning the Best Teaching Unit for Paediatrics.

Individual consultants and trainee members from Basildon Hospital also received a number of nominations, including Dr Himadri Chakraborty, who is a paediatrician consultant, as the unit training director.

He said: “It has been a challenging two years for the team and I cannot thank my colleagues enough.

“Their dedication and hard work made this possible.

“We have been able to turn things around when things got tough.

“What matters most is the team winning; I feel proud to be a part of such a wonderful team.

“Our focus is to commit to providing the best patient care and the best training for our future colleagues and consultants.

“By offering trainees the greatest training opportunities we are ensuring the future of paediatrics in the East of England is safe and in the best hands.”

Staff from the team were presented with the award at this year’s East of England Paediatrics Awards Night, which took place at the Frank Lee Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital. Dr Wilf Kelsall, Head of the School of Paediatrics for the East of England, presented the award on Friday.

The East of England PAFTA team said: “The department is very supportive for middle grade and junior doctors. There is a dedicated teaching session at least twice per week. As it is a busy unit it provides a lot of opportunity for learning and seeing a wide spectrum of paediatric illnesses. The consultants are very supportive.”