11 November 2024

The London HCSW Awards is dedicated to honouring the remarkable contributions, dedication, and professionalism exhibited by Healthcare Support Workers (HCSW) across the region.

Among the nominees for 2024 are Mary Quirke and the Rapid Engagement Support Team (REST), who have been shortlisted in the Collaboration and Partnership category.

Healthcare Support Worker is an umbrella term which covers a variety of roles, including healthcare assistant, nursing assistant, AHP support worker and more.

Mary is a REST Recovery Worker, based at St Mary’s Hospital and part of the Psychiatric Liaison Team, working with patients to offer addiction recovery services.

"I’m truly honoured to be shortlisted for this award. Having a voice within my teams has given me the room to advocate for patients. I really enjoy collaborating with teams and individuals across different disciplines to make a positive impact together,” she said.

REST have been commissioned in Hammersmith and Fulham to provide support to people in hostels who present with co-occurring addictions and mental health needs.

Mary’s journey with CNWL spans over two decades, beginning in 1999 when she joined the Crisis Resolution Team. “That was my first taste of mental health work, and I’ve loved it ever since,” she said.

After working with the Home Treatment Team for over 20 years, she transitioned to the REST team in 2022, bringing her rich background in mental health to the addictions field.

Her role involves patient support covering relapse prevention, harm reduction, signposting, assessments and health education. She’s also a Domestic Abuse Ambassador and supervisor for volunteers in our Check in and Chat service for carers.

Mary’s nomination was submitted by Claudine Pisani (Team Manager of CNWL’s Rapid Engagement and Support Team) and Martin Mulligan (Clinical Nurse Specialist - REST). They said: 

“Mary is a valued member of the REST family and we couldn’t deliver the service we do without her!  She’s always been a great patient advocate and having her wealth of experience means that people with addictions issues are thought about as a ‘whole person’. We’re thrilled to nominate her!”.

Winners will be announced and awards presented at a ceremony on 11 November. Congratulations to Mary and the REST team on their nomination.