An Ealing social worker who supports women with mental health issues and those suffering eating disorders has won the top prize of Social Worker of the Year from her healthcare employer Cygnet Health Care.
Natalia Masternak, who works for the privately run company which offers services to the NHS and local authorities, said: “It’s a huge honour to be given the award of the Social Worker of the Year at Cygnet. I was watching the awards ceremony with my manager and when my name was called I was really proud to be recognised. ”
Natalia joined Cygnet Ealing Hospital in Corfton Road in June 2018 as a student social worker, progressing to a head of social work department and a safeguarding lead role. She works across the two wards at the hospital, New Dawn Ward which provides treatment, care and support for women with a personality disorder and Sunrise Ward, which provides a highly specialised eating disorder service for women, including those with extremely low BMIs. Natalia is a Safeguarding Lead for both wards promoting safety and protecting individuals with care and support needs from abuse and neglect.
She added: “This acknowledgement means a lot to me, it reflects the hard work, passion and dedication I have for my role. It has definitely given me validation and boosted my confidence. I am extremely thankful to the interdisciplinary team for forwarding my name for this award, it is truly appreciated and it will continue to motivate me to be more determined to make a difference to the people who use our service.”
Natalia is also training to become a family therapist which describes as a “real privilege”. She added: “The best part of my job is being able to directly work with patients and their families at the hospital. Social work is so much more than just helping people, it’s providing comfort, options and making sure things happen and that a real difference is made, for an individual and their families.”
Cygnet Health Care, chief executive Dr Tony Romero said: “hese awards were an opportunity to show our social workers and social work assistants at Cygnet how much they’re valued and appreciated. Through the nominations process we saw so many wonderful examples of how they go above and beyond and step up to work outside of their role, sacrificing their time and dedication for the benefit of the individuals in their care. I congratulate Natalia for all she has achieved and for her passion in always putting service users at the hear she does.”
