MORE THAN 50 staff at an Oxford Hospital have been given a healthcare ‘Oscar’ by their bosses.

Each year the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) in Headington hands over the awards to staff they feel have gone above and beyond what is expected of them.

Walking away with top prize was Simelukufa Sebele, of Headington, who was named the trust’s Nurse of the Year 2010.

Ms Sebele, known as Sime to colleagues and patients, has been a staff nurse on the hospital’s high dependency unit and recovery wards for the past six years.

She said: “I am very pleased to get the award. I was completely shocked but am very proud.

“It’s really nice to see my name up on the nurse of the year plaque.”

She was nominated by colleagues for her ‘calming influence and great leadership’ and handed her award from Hilary Daffern, chairman of the hospital’s League of Friends group.

She will also be presented with the ‘Elizabeth Handfield-Jones Travelling Scholarship’ that can be used for further training and development.

Rachel Mellor, head of nursing, said: “I was delighted but not at all shocked to find that Sime had been nominated for the Nurse of the Year.

“Sime is everything that a nurse should be: caring, conscientious, knowledgeable and trustworthy.

“She has gone out of her way to help her patients and is held in deep respect and affection by everyone who works with her.”

The NOC’s Celebrating Success awards, now in its tenth year, includes awards for long service, academic achievements, teamwork and scholarships.

This year’s Long Service Award went to six members of staff, who have between them clocked up 100 years at the trust.

Jane Moser, Ann Wells, Hilary Sims, Jacqueline Thompson, Lisa Innes, and Simon Ostlere, who work across physiotherapy, radiotherapy and recovery, were handed the award.

Ellis Reid, of the clinical admin team, was given the Patient Recognition Award because of his cheerful disposition towards patients.