A BRIDGWATER mental health staff worker has won an award, thanks to a nomination from a previous patient.

Fern Busuttil was nominated by her previous patient Sam Underwood for a Patients’ Choice staff recognition award.

Sam nominated Fern last year for being a fantastic role model to staff and giving the young people she works with, confidence and support in their lives.

He had been a patient in the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service. He said: “I have had a ten-year battle with mental health issues and the staff here in Somerset really saved my life.

“But it is true that Fern played the biggest part in helping me feel safe when I left the service.

“Her outreach gave me the help and support I needed to move on with my life.”

Fern added: “I didn’t imagine for one minute that I would be nominated; it was a lovely surprise to hear I had won.

“It means a great deal to me because it is such a privilege to do my job.”