A Spectrum colleague has become the first prison-based recipient of the Chief Nursing Officer’s Healthcare Support Worker Award in the North East and Yorkshire Region.
In a landmark achievement for prison healthcare, Lynne Ashcroft, a Healthcare Support Worker at HMP Durham, was awarded the Chief Nursing Officer’s Healthcare Support Worker Award – becoming the first person working in a prison setting to receive this prestigious national recognition across the North East and Yorkshire.
Presented by Victoria Bagshaw, Deputy Director Workforce, Education and Training at NHS England – North East and Yorkshire, the award honours Healthcare Support Workers who embody NHS values and make outstanding contributions to patient care. Lynne’s win shines a spotlight on the vital and often unseen work of healthcare professionals in custodial environments.
Lynne was recognised for her exceptional dedication, compassionate care, and innovative approach to supporting some of the most complex and vulnerable individuals within the prison population.
Among her many achievements, Lynne was instrumental in building trust with a prisoner who was a frequent self-harmer and initially refused medical intervention. Through consistent, empathetic engagement, Lynne enabled vital treatment to take place on-site, reducing the need for hospital escorts and ensuring continuity of care within the prison. Her actions not only improved health outcomes for the individual but also supported prison and public security and operational and cost efficiencies.
Lynne has also been a strong advocate for equality and inclusion, developing accessible health promotion initiatives for foreign national prisoners in partnership with education providers such as Novus. Her proactive efforts have ensured culturally relevant, inclusive care, in line with NHS and HMPPS priorities.
In high-pressure situations, such as emergencies in segregation and support units, Lynne has been praised for her calm and capable response. Colleagues and prison officers alike have highlighted her commitment, resilience, and ability to deliver essential care under difficult circumstances.
Dr Linda Harris OBE, Spectrum’s Chief Executive, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Lynne and thrilled that her remarkable contribution has been recognised nationally. This award marks a historic moment – not just for Lynne, but for prison healthcare as a whole.
Lynne demonstrates the very best of what it means to be a Healthcare Support Worker. Her compassion, professionalism, and ability to connect with the most complex patients make a tangible difference every day. She goes above and beyond to deliver high-quality, inclusive care in a uniquely challenging environment.
This recognition is richly deserved and shines a much-needed light on the vital role that healthcare workers play in secure settings. Lynne is a true role model and an inspiration to colleagues across the service.”
The Chief Nursing Officer’s Healthcare Support Worker Award recognises individuals who demonstrate the NHS values of compassion, respect, dignity, and a commitment to quality care. Lynne’s achievement highlights the critical role Healthcare Support Workers play in secure environments, and the importance of recognising excellence across all areas of healthcare delivery.
Victoria Bagshaw added:
“We are delighted to see Lynne receive the CNO Healthcare Support Worker award, which is the first to be awarded to a Healthcare Support Worker in a Health & Justice setting within the North East and Yorkshire region. Her nomination reflects her level of professionalism and high-quality, compassionate care delivered in a really inclusive manner in a challenging environment.”
Lynne’s triumph follows her success in March, where she was awarded Healthcare Worker of the Year at the North East Prison Group Awards.