Meet the STAR Awards 2025 finalists

This award is for team leaders and managers committed to the professional development of their colleagues, or who regularly use coaching techniques to empower others.

Davide Ravaccia, Doctor at Worthing Hospital:

I have known Dr Davide Ravaccia since he was a medical student in placement in SRH. Over the years, his interest in teaching just grew stronger. When he qualified as an F1, he volunteered to do medical students’ evening teaching in SRH. When he was an F2, he started to get involved with simulation as faculty in the same hospital. 

When Dr Davide Ravaccia was an F3, he applied for Undergraduate Clinical Fellow in EF (still in SRH) and got the job. This particular year I worked closely with him in education. I saw how he has developed his teaching styles in simulation to cater to different levels of learning needs on each case we run. At the same time, Dr Ravaccia did not hesitate to share his knowledge with running a simulation to his peers who were new to being a simulation faculty. 

Because of his kindness and great leadership, I can see his peers listened and trusted him to lead them during faculty huddles and debriefs. It did make my life easier as Integrated Simulation Manager at that time because of working with Dr Davide Ravaccia. He is easily one of the best SIM Fellows that I will see in my career. 

Dr Davide Ravaccia’s teaching was not limited to high fidelity simulation and evening teachings. He also squeezed in clinical skills teachings and authored the Virtual On-call SIM. He was famous and would get requests for a 1:1 or small group bedside skills teaching in the Emergency Floor. However, his skills teaching availability was not only available within the walls of EF. 

Whenever I have medical students who are struggling to get their skills signed off clinically, as there is a great number of students from different medical and nursing schools in placement within SRH, he would personally contact the learners to meet for a protected teaching session in the education centre. 

When Dr Davide Ravaccia first approached me about his project – Virtual On-call SIM, I directed him to the undergraduate sub-deans, and they were all supportive of his idea. They were impressed of this project as it gives final year medical students an opportunity to experience on-call rota as a Foundation Doctor in a safe but immersive environment. They secured a meeting for him to meet the medical school board from one of the universities we cater for in SRH. 

Unfortunately, at that time they could not include trial the programme within the curriculum. With no surprise, Dr Ravaccia’s passion for his project did not falter. He knows that students need this kind of curriculum. 

Three years later, Dr Ravaccia is now an IMT Year 1 at WGH, and we have expanded and is delivering this in-situ simulation in WGH, LMB, and SRH. Our local undergraduate sub-deans are supportive of his work and are helping Dr Ravaccia complete an audit and publish his work at some point.  

Most of his teachings are done out of goodwill and in his own time! I know he has done a lot more than I have mentioned. Just last week, I went over to WHEC and the outgoing IMT Representative said “IMT Acute SIM study days will be in good hands if Davide will be my successor!” I think this conversation alone says more than I could explain here about Dr Davide Ravaccia’s love for teaching. 

Overall, with or without this award, I know he will always be a reliable, very passionate, well rounded, kind, respected and compassionate mentor! He deserves to be appreciated and well valued for his work not only in medicine but also in education.” 

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Derome Antido, Clinical Practice Educator at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“I am very delighted to nominate Derome for Mentor of the Year in recognition of his unwavering dedication to educating, supporting, and empowering our staff, especially our new starters. Derome is very organised and always makes them feel welcome. Since the move to LMB, frailty has never been fully recruited, staff retention has massively improved, and Derome’s hard work has a massive impact in all of these. As an educator, Derome goes above and beyond to ensure that every staff member receives a robust induction, comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities. 

Derome is deeply committed to fostering a positive learning environment, ensuring that staff not only gain essential knowledge and skills but also feel confident and valued in their roles. His passion for education is evident in his hands-on approach, you will always see him on the floor working alongside the staff. His tireless efforts to tailor learning experiences to individual needs does not go unnoticed. Through his guidance, many staff members have grown professionally and personally, feeling more equipped to provide excellent patient care. 

A lot of staff have been encouraged by Derome to take post graduate modules in university for their career development. His ability to inspire, support, and uplift those around him truly embodies the spirit of mentorship. 

He is also a great role model and is always ready to help his colleagues in times when we have pressures operationally in the wards. His contributions make a lasting impact on both individuals and our frailty team as a whole.” 

I am delighted to nominate Derome as a STAR mentor for his outstanding guidance and support. From the very beginning, he has played a crucial role in my journey, ensuring I had a smooth transition into the Trust. Before I even joined, he took the initiative to make sure I had access to all the necessary training on IRIS, regularly following up via email to confirm my progress and understanding. 

Once I started, Derome was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and always willing to help. He actively ensured that I received the right support whenever needed, fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment. His proactive approach, dedication, and willingness to share knowledge have made a significant impact on my confidence and ability to navigate my role effectively. 

Derome is an exceptional mentor who not only provides the right information to help me perform well now but also equips me with the knowledge and skills for future success. His enthusiasm and commitment to supporting others truly makes him deserving of this recognition.” 

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Hayley Fairclough, Operational Physiotherapist at Worthing Hospital 

Hayley has been an integral part of the Trust for approximately 30 years, and I have had the privilege of working alongside her within the Cardiac Rehabilitation Service for the past 14 years. Throughout this time, Hayley has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to both the service and the many colleagues she has mentored. 

Even in the face of extreme pressure, Hayley is always available to offer support, guidance, and mentorship. Her willingness to teach, share her knowledge, and offer practical advice has made a significant impact on the personal and professional development of everyone fortunate enough to work with her. 

Personally, I cannot overstate the support Hayley has provided in my own career journey. From my early days as an unconfident Junior Band 5, she has mentored and guided me to my current role as a Band 7 Team Lead. 

Her approach strikes the perfect balance between offering the right amount of support and allowing me the autonomy to manage my responsibilities. This has not only built my confidence but has also empowered me to grow into a more effective leader within the service.   

Hayley’s direct, practical approach and nurturing mentorship have been a constant source of inspiration for me and many others. Her impact extends far beyond the clinical aspects of our work; she has shaped the very culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous learning that defines our team. 

I am truly grateful for Hayley’s support and look forward to continuing to work with her as we strive to provide the best care possible to our patients.” 

The Visionary Award recognises an individual or team that has made significant contributions towards sustainability and innovation. Whether this is introducing cutting-edge technology, promoting eco-friendly practices, developing innovative solutions to environmental changes or generally driving positive change; the award aims to celebrate and honour those who are leading the way in creating an efficient and sustainable workplace. 

Surgical Carbon Footprint Study Group, Royal Sussex County Hospital:

Surgical Carbon Footprint Study Group is running a pilot study on measuring the carbon foot printing for common surgical procedure such as laparoscopic appendicectomy, laparoscopic inguinal hernias and lap cholecystectomies with the aim to reduce the carbon emission by using reusable instruments and improving environment. These three projects have been completed and submitted for presentation in Association of Surgeon of Great Britain and Ireland in May 2025.

Surgical Carbon Footprint Study Group based at RSCH is focusing on the future at global level to minimise carbon emission by reducing the use of disposable equipment during millions of surgical operations/ operations worldwide. The carbon foot printing data collected from three most common surgical operations have been eye opener which is being presented at global level. Well done team. 

Carbon Footprint Study Group in general surgery department have been working really hard to minimise the carbon emission in surgical procedures. They have been researching the reasons for high emission and implementing new pathways to minimise it, like increasing use of reusable items.

I would like to support this team’s work towards environmental improvements within the surgical department.

Visionary mission towards less carbon emissions and green environment.

The team have been reviewing carbon footprint in different surgical procedures to reduce carbon emission in different surgical procedures to make our hospital more green and energy efficient. 

Hard work on carbon footprint of surgery and trying to make surgery more green and environmentally friendly.

Looking at our carbon footprint to protect our planet is really important. Particularly as our organisation covers such a huge environment. What difference we can make to our future planet may be a drop in the ocean, but if everyone does their bit, imagine what a difference we can make to our future planet. Well done guys x.

I am nominating the Carbon Footprint Study Group from Surgical and Critical Care for the Star Awards to highlight their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of surgeries and promote sustainable practices within healthcare. By studying and implementing strategies to minimise the carbon footprint of surgeries, this group helps reduce waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions associated with surgical procedures. 

Their initiatives not only contribute to the health of patients but also have a positive impact on the planet by aligning healthcare practices with environmental sustainability. Moreover, their work can result in cost savings for healthcare facilities, making surgeries more efficient and affordable, while also lowering the overall ecological footprint of medical institutions. This combination of cost-reduction and environmental impact makes them a strong candidate for recognition through the Star Awards.

I am nominating them because with the project that they are planning, it will not only help the patients we are caring for but also the environment to reduce the carbon footprint that is responsible for combating climate change.

Good initiative for environmentally friendly surgery. 

They are actively working on reducing carbon footprint. It will have an impact by not only by decreasing hospital expenses but also decreasing carbon footprint in the world. It is a visionary idea which that team is working on and I wish them best of luck. 

A visionary team working hard with innovative ideas to improve the quality of health care. 

This is a study being carried out to quantify how much carbon footprint is being produced through various surgical procedures like laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic hernia repair, laparoscopic colorectal surgeries, etc. Surgical procedures contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By quantifying the carbon footprint of surgeries, our Trust can identify high-impact areas and implement targeted strategies to reduce emissions.

Mr Sajid, Consultant Surgeon, and his team have completed pilot studies on carbon footprint evaluation of common surgical procedures such as laparoscopic appendectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and currently recruiting patients for carbon footprint measurement following colorectal resections.  

Three of these studies have already been accepted for presentation at international peer review meeting. These studies have successfully proven that the switching from single use to reusable surgical devices reduces the carbon footprint by a third to a half, which will often be higher quality and save money too. 

Laid out in the NHS Long Term Plan, these extended sustainability commitments range from reducing single-use plastics/devices/equipment and water consumption, through to improving air quality, these studies will pave the pathway to change current RSCH practice for reusable devices and instruments etc.

Carbon footprint is an important topic in surgery. The Royal College of Surgeons has started the green checklist which is a good initiative. Seeing the local team do this project is something to look forward to.

Global warming is a big concern. It’s important to go green and reduce the carbon footprint of surgical procedures, excluding reusable options and ways to conserve energy and reduce the harm to the environment is the need of the day and important to be recognised.

Great project, wonderful team and excellent initiation towards green surgery practice.” 

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Colorectal Cancer Surgery Implementation Team, Worthing and St Richard’s hospitals:

“I have nominated the Colorectal Cancer Surgery Implementation Team for the Visionary Award.  The consolidation of colorectal cancer surgery on the Worthing and St Richard’s sites will create a centre of excellence for this surgery. 

Patients will benefit from the enhanced recovery model, reduced length of stay, and reduced cancellations for this elective cancer surgery, reduced time until stoma reversals and reduced length of stay for stoma reversals. 

This service consolidation has driven the creation of a single cross Trust department, a single MDT, a single PTL which will improve the experience of patients and reduce waiting times and will serve to decompress the RSCH site. 

This is one of the first major service reconfigurations that the Trust has undergone and has involved multiple teams across many disciplines that I dare not try to list them in case someone is missed but it is clear to say that the engagement has been medical, nursing, operational, and corporate teams. 

The service re-design, business case process and implementation programme has been challenging, incorporating pathway and process redesigns, workforce changes, system consolidation and cultural change. The internal work alone would have been a sufficient hurdle, but we needed to also engage externally with the ICB, the HOSCS, and patient groups to keep everyone onside. This has been cross divisional, cross directorate and cross department. 

The path to implementation has not been smooth but that is the nature of change.  What it has demonstrated is that we can work together to address issues, find solutions and ultimately find the best way forward for our patients. For that reason, I think the commitment, enthusiasm, hard work of all the teams and individuals involved to deliver this transformation is worthy of recognition and celebration.” 

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Patient Experience Team: 

“The Patient Experience team has been driving positive change for staff and patients over the past 12 months through the continued roll out of the innovative Welcome Standards programme. More than 300 staff and volunteers working in main receptions at our four acute sites and to ED receptions at Worthing, St Richard’s and Princess Royal (the County site unfortunately has not had capacity to take part in the programme so far) have had training on the standards and taken part in the mystery shop validation. The standards have also been rolled out to patient booking teams.  

The Welcome Standards are a set of standards created by the team, in collaboration with Healthwatch, that define what great customer service for our patients look like, based on what patients and our other stakeholders have told us and best practice from the private sector. The standards are framed by our values, and are unique within the NHS.  

Our data shows us that staff attitude and communication are very important to the patient experience. Good communication delivered by professional staff helps create a positive feeling and care that is memorable and recommended to others. It also addresses inequalities in access and experience for patients and enhances staff satisfaction and wellbeing. 

Our data continues to tell us that the most negative comments relating to staff attitude relate to receptions, and these are areas where we can leverage that first impression in a positive way that plays forward through the rest of the patient journey. As such, the Welcome Standards programme defines what ‘good’ looks like for our patients, shares and standardises best practice and involves patients in helping us to improve our communication and our patient services.  

Following the self-evaluation of their service against the criteria to understand the standards, teams then have Welcome Standards training. They are then independently reviewed by Healthwatch in a mystery shop against the standards. 

The majority of reception teams have been trained and all mystery shops carried out have been successful. One comment from the mystery shop in particular summed up the findings: “The reception team worked incredibly well together and were generally very professional, especially when there was need from the public. The authorised representatives felt the team were compassionate, kind, competent, friendly and helpful.

An appraisal of the effectiveness of the Welcome Standards programme has also been undertaken. From this, the team saw a 27% increase in patients reporting a positive experience of their welcome at reception post implementation of the welcome standards training. Furthermore, more than three times as many patients went out of their way to make a comment about the positive experience at reception. Teams have also found the training extremely valuable and the focus on staff wellbeing has been particularly well received.  

Finally, we are extremely proud to have also received external recognition for the Welcome Standards as finalists for the prestigious UK Customer Service Awards 2025 in a category for best partnership recognising the collaboration with Healthwatch.  

Next steps for the Welcome Standards are to prepare for sustainability, including online training modules and implementation into business as usual. The Patient Experience team deserve to be recognised for the Visionary Award for the way in which their collaborative cross-system approach, hard work, dedication and vision is leading the way on forward-thinking, long-term positive change that brings our values to life, positively influences culture that directly benefits patients, staff and volunteers. 

All teams who are part of the Welcome Standards programme should also be recognised and celebrated for the way in which they have embraced change and shown commitment to improve the experience of patients, staff and volunteers alike now and into the future.” 

This award is for a team that has triumphed in the face of adversity, or pulled together to maintain care, quality or performance in defiance of extraordinary pressures.

L9A West Digestive Diseases, Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“I want to nominate my team on L9a West because they exemplify dedication, resilience, and teamwork in one of the most challenging environments. As an acute ward, L9a West cares for patients with high acuity and complex needs, often requiring intense clinical interventions and emotional support. Despite these demands and at times being short-staffed the entire team consistently rises to the occasion, ensuring that patient care remains a top priority. 

What makes this team truly exceptional is the unwavering spirit of collaboration among all staff members. Nurses, healthcare assistants, management, ward clerks, housekeeping, and catering staff all work together seamlessly, going above and beyond their roles to create a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment for both patients and colleagues. Even during the busiest and most high-pressure shifts, there is a strong sense of camaraderie, with staff stepping in to help each other whenever needed. 

The dedication of this team is not just about getting through the workload; its about maintaining high standards of care, uplifting each other, and ensuring that patients receive the best possible experience. Whether its a nurse staying late to comfort a distressed patient, a healthcare assistant taking extra time to assist with personal care, or the catering team making sure patients get meals suited to their needs, every individual contributes in a meaningful way. 

Despite the challenges, the team maintains a positive and motivated attitude, continuously boosting morale and supporting one another. They celebrate small wins, encourage each other during difficult moments, and never lose sight of their commitment to patient care. It is this incredible teamwork, resilience, and dedication that make L9a West truly deserving of recognition.” 

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Emergency Department (Trust-wide):

“I want to nominate all the Emergency Departments across our main hospitals at UHSussex for the Clinical Team of the Year Award in recognition of their unwavering commitment to patient safety, compassionate care, and continuous improvement.  

Despite the pressures of emergency medicine, the departments remain focused on providing excellent patient care, treating each individual with kindness and professionalism.  

Their dedication to maintaining a culture of improvement and collaboration makes them truly deserving of this recognition. “

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Heart Failure Team, Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“I feel that the heart failure team has had a huge impact on patient care, morbidity and mortality due to the personalised and rapid care that they provide on a daily basis. The team is led by 4 amazing consultants which include Dr. Sue Ellery, Dr Steve Coombs, Dr Stan Hadjivasselev and Dr Tommy Alway. The team also includes some of the kindest and able nurses which include Anna Frappell, Sarah Young, Jo, Karen, Kate and registrars such as Chris. 

As a previous member of the team for a whole year, I have personally seen them go above and beyond day after day in their quest to provide the best possible service for their patients. This includes 2 consultant led ward rounds every week interspaced with bed side and home visits undertaken by the nurses. Also, every Monday, each case is discussed diligently and in detail to ensure that a robust plan is in place for their treatment. 

These meetings usually run longer than originally planned but I have never heard anyone complain about it. Also, I have noted the team to frequently stay behind after hours just to ensure that these plans have been carried out and that the patient receives the best care possible. 

Their job does not only cover medical management, but I have frequently seen them talking to and educating patients about their conditions in an extremely kind and patient manner. Some of these talks include very tough discussions with patients and their families on withdrawing care in patients approaching end of life, switching off ICDs to prevent unwanted shocks and treating the mental aspect of this common and debilitating disease. 

On a personal basis, I have recently finished training at Brighton as a registrar and have recently taken up my first consultant job near Leeds hence I don’t really have a motive to be in anyone’s good books. As someone who has worked in the HF team at centres of excellence such as The Royal Brompton, Imperial College University Hospital and St George’s hospitals, I honestly think that the service provided to patients in Brighton and its satellite hospitals is the very best and I frequently apply what I learnt at Brighton to my practice here at Leeds almost on a daily basis. 

I have felt that the HF team routinely goes beyond the call of duty and is completely under appreciated for the work that they do. I have personally seen the care they provide first hand for heart failure patients right from admission to A&E and first diagnosis to the commencement of medical treatment and implantation of devices such as ICDs. I am sure my sentiments would be echoed by anyone who has worked in Cardiology and sincerely hope that they get the award this year because if anyone deserves it, it’s them.”

This award recognises a team whose work plays a key role in supporting the Trust to deliver outstanding care and service to patients, staff and visitors.

Cardiac Admin Teams at Princess Royal and Royal Sussex County hospitals:

“I would like to nominate the cardiac admin team for RSCH and PRH for support team of the year. Over the last year they have worked hard as a team, learning each other’s roles and all elements of the roles they are required to do, this has enabled cross cover when on leave and a good level of cover for the service. This has increased learning opportunities for the different types of admin roles we have in the team. This is for the outpatient booking team, inpatient booking team, patient access managers, audit team and cardiac rehab administrator. 

The team have managed to validate and reduce the departments overdue follow-up back log for cardiology from nearly 5,000 to now having 1,600 and are still working their way through and making plans for patients who need to be seen.  

The new patient waiting list has reduced from a 95-week wait to a 60-week wait. Through validation, additional capacity and breaking the waiting list down into sub-specialities. This has improved overall utilisation, which has enabled us to fill cancellations slots at short notice. 

Cardiology RSCH and PRH also has a lower than national average DNA rate at 4.13%. Cardiac surgery have no priority two patients over four weeks that are not patient choice; cardiology have none. This is due to good planning and prioritising the right patients. 

Cardiac surgery also have no overdue follow-ups and are almost RTT compliant. This has overall improved the patient experience of the service leading to good outcomes for patients.  

Cardiology clinic and lab utilisation has a had a huge improvement over the last two years, we also have less cancellations on the day due to good planning. Communication has overall improved between teams with regular meetings.  

We have also improved our data and continue to improve our data for national returns in cardiac surgery. The team introduced a new electronic TCI card for cardiology, so patients are listed straight away instead of waiting for the clinic letter. This has led to no patients being lost in the system since introduced.  

Improving communication regarding lab cover and cath lab utilisation with daily. The cardiac team as a whole work amazingly well together and have really good relationship which makes the team work well together. 

Cardiology RSCH and PRH have also done 5848 more appointments the in the last year compared to activity in 2019/2020 and are at 127% and they wouldn’t have been able to do so without the wonderful admin team that we have in place.” 

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Security Department at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“The security department of the Royal Sussex County Hospital can often be unsung heroes but they’re truly instrumental in ensuring the safety of staff, patients and visitors. 

They provide a wide range of essential support, in sometimes very challenging situations 24/7, working long 12 hour days and nights, keeping everyone safe across all sites at Thomas Kemp Tower, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Renal, Millennium Wing, Courtyard, Louisa Martindale Building, Sussex Eye Hospital, Audrey Emerton Building, Sussex House, Creche, St Mary’s Hall, Martin House, the Art Block, Annexe and Elliott House. 

I believe these colleagues deserve more recognition and appreciation for all they do, when managing unpleasant situations which they often have to deal with on daily basis. Many thanks for your consideration.” 

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Typing Pool at St Richard’s and Worthing hospitals:

“I am nominating the typing pool as i feel that regularly our administrative teams do not get the recognition they deserve and over the last few years the Typing Pool’s support for the Trust has been phenomenal. 

The typing pool have been in existence across St Richard’s and Worthing hospitals for a number of years now, which allows them to be flexible across numerous specialties regardless of where support is required. 

Due to committed management and medical typists the team are willing to provide extra assistance to other specialties regardless of division. This provides greater variety of work and whilst making the role more challenging learning new terminology it is more enjoyable. 

Following Covid, with its extra clinics, work had to be outsourced to an external transcription service, requiring the team to learn a new process handling the return of completed transcriptions. 

They saw this as extra variety increasing enjoyment of their role and assisting as many specialties and patients as possible allowing the secretarial teams to focus on their area of expertise. 

The typing pool management are constantly monitoring workload, being flexible with resources and supporting medical typists with challenges.  

Recently, after hearing that Brighton’s ENT had a substantial typing backlog due to extra MediNet and 18-week team clinics the manager, Lisa Kent offered the services of a large proportion of the team. 

Despite only having had experience of BigHand dictation system, the team took to the challenge of learning a new system reducing the backlog by over 2,000 in four weeks whilst maintaining existing high levels of turnaround of dictations for those specialties who contributed to the formation of the typing pool.  As well as learning a new system, feedback has been taken to help when former WSHT sites transfer to G2 which will resolve the office automation issue. 

All the medial typists in the typing pool have continued without adequate recognition to provide an extremely efficient flexible support function demonstrating the Trust’s values as part of their day to day living.” 

This award is for staff who go beyond normal expectations to care for patients with exceptional kindness, dignity and respect, epitomising the Trust’s vision. 

Crawley Sexual Health Clinic:

“Led by Consultant Dr Fionnuala Finnerty, a small team of staff from Crawley Sexual Health have worked with the Alliance for Better Care (ABC) Refugee and Asylum Seekers Service and developed an innovative pathway to ensure a trauma informed approach for asylum seekers who disclose sexual assault. 

Housed in the asylum centres around Gatwick, these women have escaped their often war-torn homeland and taken many years to reach the relative safety of the UK. They have frequently endured torture, abuse and sexual assault on numerous occasions. Some have been sold into modern day slavery. They have come to the UK, alone, unable to contact friends or family and very uncertain of their future. 

The teams have set up a pathway which allows for direct referrals to the health adviser, who will then triage and allocate an appointment with a suitable clinician. Appointments are rotated between clinicians due to their emotional nature. 

All referrals are pre-screened and discussed with admin to ensure appropriate translation is booked in advance if needed, and where possible the option is given for a female interpreter.  

Not all languages are possible to find an interpreter for and the staff have honed their skills in acting and drawing. Demonstrating visually as much of the consultation pathway as possible to ensure these women understand as much as possible what is being offered or provided. 

A resource pack has been developed with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and trauma materials etc in different languages. An information sheet is sent to all patients to include a photographic journey from the hospital entrance to the clinic and pictures of the staff, with a description of what happens in the appointment. 

Results will be shared with ABC (if patient consents) to ensure survivors are not moved from temporary accommodation before results are back and clinical staff can explain results to the patients. This collaboration is to ensure joined up care for survivors and that appropriate treatment can be initiated.  

This small team of staff have more than demonstrated all the Trust values, but in particular those of inclusion, compassion, respect and communication. Reaching out to a small but extremely vulnerable group within our community this group of six staff which includes, three doctors, a health adviser, a nurse and an administrator, all deserve to be considered for the all-star award this year.” 

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West Sussex, Medical Examiner’s office and End of Life and Supportive Care Group at Royal Sussex County, St Richard’s and Worthing hospitals:

“The medical examiner’s office is based across sites at St Richard’s Hospital and Worthing Hospital, completing scrutiny of all acute and community deaths in West Sussex. The service went statutory in September 2024 which saw a huge increase in our workload. I would like to nominate the whole team of medical examiners and medical examiners officers as every single member puts the bereaved at the heart of what we do. 

They are kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and always go above and beyond to support the families we serve in West Sussex. Listening to the calls they make to the bereaved is very heart warming and although they make many calls a day, they always make sure each call is individual, and they put the same level of kindness and compassion into each call. Never once have I heard a call that wouldn’t make the relative feel valued, respected and listened to. 

As this is an evolving service there has been a lot of change within the team’s processes and they embrace this and are forthcoming with development and improvement suggestions regularly. It is a unique role which can be very emotive reviewing case notes of the deceased and speaking with the bereaved, but we have some very special people within the team who support each other incredibly well.  

They not only support relatives but doctors and GPs when they approach us for advice regarding a death certificate and between the medical examiners and medical examiners officers are able to provide an impressive level of knowledge to support them, but more than that they have great relationships with them because of their approachable natures and often provide them with a lot of support and a listening ear. 

Being an independent service we are able to really listen to people’s concerns and feedback, whether that be from the bereaved or staff to provide feedback to maintain and improve patient safety and care. I am incredibly proud of the whole team and feel they all deserve recognition for what they do and how they do it.

I am honoured to nominate The Supportive and End of Life Care (SELC) Group, chaired and guided by Steve Bass, Lead Nurse in Palliative and End of Life Care at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust for a STAR Award. This team has demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience, and collaboration in ensuring high-quality, compassionate care for patients at the end of their lives, embodying the Trust’s core values despite immense pressures. 

Providing effective, individualised care at the end of life is one of the greatest gifts to patients and their families. The SELC Group has been instrumental in ensuring that patients receive the dignity, comfort, and support they deserve in their final days. Their expressed aim is to enable and assure consistently excellent care for patients at the end of their life, and their approach epitomises patient-centred care. 

The group’s work is deeply rooted in continuous learning and improvement. Clinical data is meticulously reviewed, including cases where care did not meet optimal standards, to identify opportunities for growth and change. Even in difficult circumstances, the team remains committed to learning from challenges, fostering a culture of openness and accountability. 

For over three years, I have witnessed this team mature and strengthen, tackling the complexities of end-of-life care with unwavering dedication. Their multidisciplinary nature is a key strength, comprising of doctors, nurses, palliative care and cancer specialists, patient safety experts, chaplaincy and mortuary staff, patient experience representatives, strategic leaders and frontline staff. 

This diverse expertise ensures a holistic approach to patient care, bridging the gap between strategic decision-making and real-world care delivery. Senior staff facilitate systemic improvements, while those working directly with patients provide vital insights into daily care experiences, ensuring that patient voices are heard and acted upon. 

Impactful innovations and improvements: The central philosophy guiding their work is ‘comfort care’—ensuring that, when active therapies are no longer beneficial, care plans prioritise comfort, holistic support, and pain relief while actively involving patients and their families in decision-making. 

Recent data from audits (October to December 2024) demonstrates the remarkable impact of their efforts: 

• Nearly 75% of end-of-life patients received ‘comfort care’ observations—compared to none three years ago. 

• A newly developed ‘comfort care’ dashboard allows staff to monitor and audit care effectively, driving continuous improvement. 

• 98% of patients had anticipatory medications prescribed, ensuring timely pain relief and symptom management. 

• 97% of patients’ families received communication and support, recognising the importance of emotional and practical guidance for loved ones. 

A special commendation goes to the medical examiners, who play a crucial role in providing independent scrutiny of patient deaths. Their compassionate engagement with bereaved families not only helps address concerns and answer questions but also prevents unnecessary complaints, ensuring families feel heard and supported during their most difficult moments. 

More than 200 staff members have received training in end-of-life care, with more planned. Evaluation of this training shows that staff feel significantly more confident in communicating with dying patients and their families – a vital aspect of compassionate care. 

While there is always more to achieve, the progress made by the SELC group is nothing short of extraordinary. Their unwavering commitment to collaboration, innovation, and patient-centred care makes them a shining example of what can be accomplished when teams pull together under extraordinary pressures. 

I wholeheartedly believe that the SELC Group deserves recognition as a clinical team.” 

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Victoria Hale, Midwife at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“A few months ago, I began the induction process to birth my baby boy. Vicky started her night shift, and she was assigned to our care. What was just an ordinary shift changed our lives forever.  

Vicky was exemplary in her care, compassion, skills and knowledge. But she was so much more than that. She held a sacred space for us. She trusted us. She supported us. Her incredible instincts to know when to give space and when to hold.  I birthed Alban but Vicky held all three of us. 

The days and week of losing our son Alban (Albie) have been the darkest days of our lives. Alban’s birth will forever be the greatest honour of my life. In the days since Alban’s birth, we have laughed and marvelled in sheer awe of the beauty of his birth. I birthed him in total darkness in full awareness. I felt the agony of my contractions and I breathed Alban out.  

I felt his head and I felt his shoulders. Vicky held Albie gently, looked at him first (for us) and then passed him through to me on my chest. Alban was born at 33 weeks on Friday 21st February at 00:07. Alban’s birth was a celebration.  

Vicky and Lucy tenderly weighed Albie, measured him and dressed him. They checked every step with us as they went. My husband and I sat next to him on the bed in sheer awe watching our beloved baby boy.  

Lucy and Vicky brought in a bowl of warm water and cotton wool for us to clean Albie. I gently washed Albie’s face until I felt a warm hand on my back. Vicky leaned in and told me how gentle I was with Albie and that I was a wonderful Mum to him. I don’t know how Vicky knew in that moment what I needed but without Vicky I don’t think I would have found the strength to stop.  

And Vicky’s care even extends beyond Alban’s birth. My daughter Edie’s birth was traumatic, and it was not until Albie’s birth some two years later I realised how many of those wounds were still healing. Alban’s birth healed those wounds.  

Vicky stayed long after her shift had ended to ensure she had handed over our care to another midwife, Fran. She must have been exhausted. Vicky and her fabulous crocs will stay with our family forever. The care Vicky gave us on an ordinary night shift exceeded ‘above and beyond’ it was nothing short of pure magic.  

We can’t find the right words to express the impact you have had on us Vicky so all we will say is thank you.” 

This award is for volunteers who have made a major difference to a patient, relative, colleague or team through their community-spirited commitment to serving their local hospital.

Chris Samraj, Charity Volunteer at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“Chris joined the Charity team in September 2024 – this was his first volunteering role. Chris has a busy calendar studying for three A-Levels but found the time to volunteer with My Charity every Monday giving his time generously. We were struck at the professionalism and compassion with which Chris went about his role, and he quickly became a linchpin within the team. 

Chris worked on the Brighton Pavilion Ice Skating event in November which saw 600 NHS staff take to the ice for an evening of fun and laughter. Chris worked on providing budget projections for the event and used his excellent excel skills to ensure we stayed on track. 

Chris is a great ambassador for volunteering – the Director of the Brighton Pavilion Ice Rink commented on the quality of his work and the dedication he showed. Well done Chris – you are a true star.” 

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Derek Andrews, Volunteer Patient Transport Driver at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Derek for Volunteer of the Year, a truly exceptional individual who has made a significant impact in our community. Having known Derek for several years through our Kidney Peer Group meetings at Royal Sussex County Hospital, I have had the privilege of witnessing his generosity and spirit firsthand. 

Derek is the embodiment of kindness. At each of our monthly meetings, he consistently brings a sense of joy and camaraderie, arriving with grapes and doughnuts to share, always with a warm smile and encouraging words. His presence alone brightens the room and lifts the spirits of everyone present. 

What makes Derek truly extraordinary is his selflessness. He is a living kidney donor who gave the ultimate gift to his child, enabling them to live a healthier life. His commitment to helping others extends beyond his family, as he regularly volunteers his time to provide transport for patients who need assistance getting to their medical appointments. This simple yet invaluable act of service has eased the burden for many in our community. 

Derek also has a natural ability to inspire others. He is passionate about encouraging new members to join our monthly meetings, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and supported. His kindness, dedication, and willingness to give, are qualities that truly make him a standout volunteer, and he is loved and respected by all who know him. 

For his tireless efforts and the positive impact he has on our community, I wholeheartedly nominate Derek for Volunteer of the Year.” 

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Elaine Johns, Volunteer at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“I wish to nominate Elaine for the Volunteer Star Award because Elaine is such an asset to the team. Nothing is too much trouble for her, and she is happy to help out with whatever is needed. 

Her warm and friendly manner puts relatives at ease when they come onto the unit which really makes a difference, especially if the situation is very distressing. She is also very approachable which is why staff are happy to ask her for her help. Thank you, Elaine for all you do, you’re amazing.” 

This award is for staff who are the jewel in their team, whose drive, enthusiasm or good sense of humour inspires those around them, especially at times of difficulty or stress.

Meirian Evans, F2 Doctor, and Resident Doctor’s Mess President at Royal Sussex County Hospital: 

“As Mess President, Meirian supervised the moving of the mess from the old site in Trust headquarters to its new home on L11 in the LMB. She had to negotiate with senior managers and did so very confidently and competently for such a junior colleague, negotiating fairly for what she felt was right. 

With no money to spare she has creatively found solutions for equipment, furniture and improvements to the space. Improvements at RSCH have spilled over to PRH where new equipment has also been delivered and installed. There have also been significant financial challenges for the mess – with funds being diverted. Meirian has led the push for this to be corrected, which has taken time and effort. 

Meirian has also led the redevelopment of the organisation of the mess – bringing in a new committee and developing a thriving social calendar. The UHSussex mess transformed from the uninspiring place and organisation that it was – into a thriving and popular place where the community is actively and tangibly contributing to the daily well-being of resident doctors at RSCH. I would argue that this all stems from Meirian’s vision, persistence and drive.” 

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Reception and Volunteers, Louisa Martindale Building at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“These exceptional individuals have gone above and beyond in their unwavering commitment to providing invaluable support to our hospital and patients.  

Before the new signage was installed the volunteers tirelessly walked miles (that’s not an exaggeration) within our hospital’s bustling corridors, showing patients where to go for their appointments and offering a friendly face to those who may feel anxious or lost. Their dedication to ensuring that patients got to their appointment in a timely and compassionate manner is truly remarkable. 

Their contributions extend far beyond simply guiding patients; they have become an integral part of our hospital community. Their selfless service has helped to alleviate the stress and confusion that can often accompany a hospital visit, creating a more positive and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. They are a friendly ear to listen and a shoulder to take some of the weight off. 

In addition to their invaluable support, they have demonstrated incredible resilience and adaptability, especially during challenging times. Their unwavering commitment and genuine compassion have not only improved patient experiences but act as an example to us all. 

The reception team (including volunteers) at Royal Sussex County Hospital embody the trust values and their dedication and hard work deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Even though the wayfinding has improved they continue to make a profound and lasting impact on our hospital and the lives of those we serve.” 

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Steven Hayes, Clinical Van Driver at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“Steve drives our clinical van to outreach clinics across East, West and Central Sussex, transporting our Hepatology Nurses to engage patients all over our patch.  

On one particular morning in January this year, when it was still dark and very cold, Steve was collecting the van from its parking space at St Mary’s Hall when he noticed a pair of feet under the van parked in front. 

Steve took himself over to the van and discovered an unconscious man who appeared to be hypothermic, laying beneath the vehicle. The man had his head resting upon the axle of the van which would have been very bad should the van have moved without the driver knowing he was there. 

Steve pulled the man out from under the van and covered him with his coat while he checked for vital signs and tried to wake him up. An ambulance was called, and the man was taken to A&E where they were successfully cared for by the clinical staff there.” 

This award is for staff who are the jewel in their team, whose drive, enthusiasm or good sense of humour inspires those around them, especially at times of difficulty or stress. 

Beverley Killick, Sister at Princess Royal Hospital:

“Bev actively goes above and beyond for both colleagues and patients. I often see patients arriving in the department either uncertain about their treatment plans or have concerns and Bev always takes the time to liaise with other specialists to provide clarity and reassurance to the patients ensuring they leave the department feeling more informed and in control of their care. She also supports her colleagues and actively advocates for and advises them.” 

“Beverly Killick is the most outstanding nurse I have ever met. Without her going above and beyond I know I would not be here.  She is unbelievably kind and caring towards me and my family.  She makes having weekly blood transfusions so easy. It’s not something I dread but is actually part of my weekly routine that is very sociable and fun.  She somehow manages to make her patients laugh and at the same time feel cared for and safe. She is one of life’s exceptional people and as a family we shall be forever grateful to her for everything she does for us.” 

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Cristal Sunga, Practice Educator at Princess Royal Hospital:

“I am delighted to nominate Cristal for the PRH Hero Award, as she exemplifies the core values of our Trust: compassion, communication, inclusion, and respect. Through her leadership and unwavering dedication, Cristal has consistently worked to promote a positive and supportive environment for both her colleagues and the patients at the Sussex Rehabilitation Centre (SRC). 

In 2024, Cristal took the initiative to design and deliver a series of away days for the staff at SRC. These events provided invaluable time away from the ward, offering staff the opportunity to decompress and focus on their health and well-being. 

Recognising the importance of these events, Cristal also sought and successfully secured charity funding to ensure staff could enjoy a complimentary lunch, enhancing the experience for all involved. The charity was also delighted to meet the team during these events, further strengthening the bond between SRC staff and the wider Trust community. 

Cristal’s commitment to fostering teamwork, promoting staff welfare, and showing genuine compassion for those who provide dedicated care to some of our longest-stay patients demonstrates her remarkable leadership. Her enthusiasm and passion for creating a supportive work environment are inspiring, and she is a joy to work with. 

Cristal’s efforts to promote professionalism, collaboration, and respect across the team make her a deserving candidate for this award. It is without hesitation that I endorse Cristal for the PRH Hero Award, as she is a true asset to the Trust and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of working alongside her.” 

Cristal is an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to meet her. She truly embodies the Trust values of kindness and compassion, always going above and beyond to enhance the experience of both patients and colleagues. 

She provides exceptional care for some of our long-stay patients, constantly finding creative ways to make their time in the hospital more engaging—including introducing flamenco dancing on the unit. As a Practice Educator, Cristal is deeply committed to the well-being of the team at Sussex Rehabilitation Centre. She actively fosters a strong sense of community by organising away days and training events, ensuring that every member of the team feels valued and supported. 

Cristal was also instrumental in arranging the first-ever Filipino Independence Day event at PRH, bringing together staff and patients to celebrate Filipino culture. Through this event, she created a meaningful space where people could learn about the Philippines, enjoy its incredible cuisine, and appreciate the rich traditions of many of our international colleagues.  

Whenever I visit PRH, I look forward to seeing Cristal. She is a true hospital hero—her dedication, warmth, and positivity make a lasting impact on everyone around her.” 

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Salwa Malik, Emergency Department Clinical Lead at Princess Royal Hospital:

“It is my absolute pleasure to nominate Salwa Malik for the title of Princess Royal Hospital Hero. Salwa is an exceptional individual who exemplifies what we at UHSx strive for, embodying all our Trust values in her daily work. 

As the ED Clinical Lead at both Princess Royal Hospital and more recently the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Salwa has been a consistent driving force for innovation and positive change in one of the most challenging departments in healthcare. She demonstrates unparalleled professionalism and respect in her collaboration with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), always focused on enhancing patient care and fostering a supportive environment for staff. 

Salwa’s actions resonate deeply with all our core values: Salwa treats patients and staff with the empathy and understanding we all value. Her dedication to ensuring every individual feels heard and informed, even amidst the busiest of times, highlights her unwavering commitment to wellbeing. Salwa goes above and beyond to communicate clearly and compassionately, recognising the critical impact this has on lives and outcomes. 

Salwa celebrates diversity and listens to others, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected through the challenge of the change process. She takes the time to meet individual needs, providing equal access and support across the department. Her ability to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel free to be themselves. 

Salwa is a cornerstone of the EDs team’s success, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation learning, and mutual respect encouraging growth through teaching and training, and celebrates the achievements of her colleagues.  

For example, Salwa optimised and implemented the Acuity Matrix at both the PRH and RSCH Sites, which will be going Trust wide. This tool provided a clear way of stepping down patients within ED from majors to be redirected to relevant alternative areas thus supporting patient flow from walking in or ambulance transfers through the department and improving patient experience. This in one of many innovations Salwa has been at the helm of within the ED at PRH but has always stated are the importance of the MDT in its actualisation and implementation. 

In conclusion, Salwa Malik is a true bastion of what makes UHSx exceptional. Her dedication to our values—communication, compassion, inclusion, respect, teamwork, and professionalism—makes her a role model for all. 

“Adopting a true Patient First approach to her department supporting positive change in transforming our hospital services. It is such a pleasure to have the opportunity to work alongside her and witness the impact she has within the department; with her colleagues and the patients we serve.” 

This award is for staff who are the jewel in their team, whose drive, enthusiasm or good sense of humour inspires those around them, especially at times of difficulty or stress. 

Amelia Sowry, Specialist Biomedical Scientist at St Richard’s Hospital:

“Amelia is an invaluable member of the haematology laboratory team at St Richard’s Hospital. She is compassionate, funny, professional and embodies everything our Trust values. Amelia works as a haematology specialist biomedical scientist, our roles in healthcare can often be missed as we aren’t always seen by the patients or other service users like doctors and nurses.  

No job is too big or small for Amelia, from offering last minute help to members of other pathology departments in teaching them about blood transfusion, to volunteering to work extra hours to ensure all patients’ blood samples are analysed efficiently. 

Recently our training officer has had to cover the training and mentoring of two departments, which left him with not a lot of time spare. Amelia instantly jumped in to help take tasks off his plate which massively helped his personal stress and well-being levels. Amelia also planned personal timetables and learning plans for out T-levels students to help spread the wonderful job NHS workers do and to open peoples understanding of our job in the laboratory. 

Some of her biggest achievements to date is her work in blood transfusion, in 2024 a major haemorrhage was issued on a post c-section patient who had lost 3 litres of blood. Amelia’s quick and efficient working saved both this patient and their baby who both required blood units before being transferred to ITU after extensive surgery. 

There is one patient that will never be forgotten by us due to the fact that Amelia quite literally helped save his life. In 2024 Amelia singlehandedly issued the highest volume of blood ever given out in St Richard’s to a single patient in a single episode. She was working on call and was the only person running haematology and blood transfusion at the time.  

Over the course of six hours she gave out two units of cryo, 12 units of FFP and a staggering 24 units of red cell blood to a single patient. She has a bag of blood going out to the patient every 20 minutes, all on her own. She did such an amazing job that the staff working in theatres called up the laboratory a few days later to thank her for saving their patient’s life as without her the alternative was terrifying. 

All the above happened whilst her mum was given a terminal cancer diagnosis, who sadly passed in 2024, and I know her mum was so proud of the wonderful person Amelia has become. Amelia is not only an amazing worker, but she is quite honestly an amazing person and we would be lost without her.” 

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Leigh Barnfield, Head of Strategic Finance at St Richard’s Hospital:

“Leigh would not recognise the positive impact he has on my immediate finance team, the broader finance department and wider Trust colleagues who have the opportunity to work with and alongside him. Almost a year ago, we implemented interim arrangements to enable the CFO and FD roles to be covered ahead of recruitment. 

During this time, Leigh not only took on the lead for Strategic finance, increasing the number of projects he was supporting, he actively sought out additional opportunities to step in and support colleagues and make a difference.  

Noticing when colleagues and line managers are stretched or busy and offering a hand is second nature to Leigh and he wholeheartedly embodies trust values by being supportive, flexible and demonstrating a caring attitude. Leigh is often at the forefront of encouraging, coaching, mentoring and helping others to deliver what they need, be that submitting a business case, putting together a bid for funding or find solutions to financial constraints. 

Leigh has been a key member of a number of programme teams creating the investment cases for stage 2 of 3T’s, the Stroke reconfiguration, EPR and Sussex Pathology Network. Seeking feedback from those Operational, Corporate and clinical colleagues, they described Leigh as being cheerful even when extremely busy, he follows up on actions, delivers on his commitments and makes himself available. 

He is always happy to explain the logic behind a financial decision, without making anyone feel their question isn’t valid. Leigh takes the time to check in with colleagues, recognising the different pressures Clinical and Operational colleagues may have and goes that extra mile to help, he goes beyond just supplying the numbers, he seeks to support the services to find a solution to the financial constraints. 

He regularly has good ideas and seeks out benefits that will help make a case, the work Leigh does is key in supporting the services to move forward. Importantly, Leigh doesn’t shy away from taking responsibility for tasks to be done and immediately puts colleagues at ease that they will be listened too, understood and helped, making complex finance discussions easier to understand. 

This feedback received from colleagues across the Trust who interact with Leigh is consistent, all of us that work with Leigh know him to be extremely approachable, easy to talk to and its rare to see or hear Leigh being anything other than cheerful and positive that he can help. 

I started this nomination by saying that almost a year ago we implemented interim arrangements, these are still in place, and it is testament to Leigh’s nature, attitude and embodiment of Trust values, that he continues to go over and above to “get the job done”. He always makes time for colleagues; he mentors a number of the team and is integral to training and developing our staff. 

Additionally, Leigh provides not just a listening ear, he stands up for what is right and when staff have had problems, are finding life or work a little tough he steps in with practical and visible support. I am immensely privileged to have Leigh as a member of my team, I feel lucky he is setting a good example to our apprentices, trainees and accountants and if they progress in their careers with his energy, drive and enthusiasm, the department and Trust will be in very good hands.” 

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Paula Hepworth, Labour Ward Co-ordinator at St Richard’s Hospital:

“Paula supported me antenatally through my second, fourth and third pregnancies, all were incredibly difficult. During the second I had PTSD and anxiety as my first child was preemie and had a NICU stay. She prioritised my mental health, doing everything she could to give me control and comfort. From tours of the relevant wards to familiarise me with the post birth journey should he come early, to making sure I was seen by the appropriate specialists and got the correct care. 

She was a kind, caring and knowledgeable person who I truly valued and who always had my best interests at heart. When the pregnancy ended up with my second child in the NNU almost losing his life, the care Paula had given me prenatally was invaluable and literally saved my mental health. I was in control and able to cope. 

She gave me a resilience I never thought I had. My third pregnancy she supported me through a self-resolved ectopic, and I naturally reached out to her when I surprisingly fell pregnant for the fourth time. She understood how nervous and scared I was. 

Pre-empted the trauma she knew I’d faced and made sure I had the correct help in place, whilst also being there for me herself. She listened to my history (a difficult fertility journey) and adapted her care accordingly. It was so far from a one size fits all. A friendly, supportive, kind and caring lady who I treasure and am so grateful for. 

Sadly, my third child was diagnosed with critical complex CHD and cleft lip and pallet at the 20-week scan. She supported us through the Southampton referrals, through conversations about TFMR. She respected us, listened to our decisions, gave us knowledge and support and was so much more than a medical professional. She really cared about us and our journey and made sure we had access to everything we needed. 

When we decided to go ahead, she helped me bond with Elliot, always reminding me he was more than a medical problem and was our future son. She made sure I had regular checks, being in her words ‘high risk on all fronts’ and whenever I presented to the labour ward they knew about me, were prepared and I felt truly cared for and safe. 

Despite a history of precipitous and early labour, I made it to Southampton safely and delivered Elliot by induction at 38.5 weeks surrounded by the specialist care he needed. This was nothing short of a miracle and is a true testament to Paula and her making sure that I got the monitoring, tests, referrals and care I needed. She was always at the end of the phone if I needed her, would support me and advocate for me and sense check any decisions made during labour. 

She gave me power where there was none, control when I was spiralling and I don’t think I’d have survived either of my second or third labours so mentally strong, with such a genuine and loving bond with my sons if wasn’t for her. I’m eternally grateful. She’s a very special lady indeed.”

This award is for staff who are the jewel in their team, whose drive, enthusiasm or good sense of humour inspires those around them, especially at times of difficulty or stress. 

Bereavement Multidisciplinary Team at Worthing Hospital:

“We would love to nominate the antenatal / bereavement MDT (including community midwives and the midwives and doctors on the labour ward). 

We were told our baby girl had a hypoplastic left heart in January this year and had to make the agonising decision to let her go. I gave birth to our baby girl, Aya, in the Maple Suite in Worthing Hospital. The support, love and kindness of all the midwives and doctors who worked with us, I cannot thank enough. 

When my partner and I were in a really dark place going into the Maple Suite, it was the midwives who worked with us during her delivery that showed us that our baby could also be celebrated, as well as mourned. Our midwives worked over their shift time as they wanted to meet Aya! And also, to go with her down to the mortuary, as it was my wish that someone I knew and trusted would go with her body. 

I am so honoured that out of the few people who met my baby girl, are the midwives, doctors and staff that were working that day, I have no doubt she would have felt their love also. I’m sure I will never be able to thank them enough as that positive spirit and strength they showed to me and my family I have kept with me until this day on my path to recovery. 

I was so touched that a place like the Maple Suite exists within the hospital, where I could give birth to and spend time with my baby in peace and calm, apart from the main delivery ward. It was another very special and invaluable touch from the team. 

The wrap around post birth care from community midwives, our bereavement nurse and our midwife counsellor has also meant that we have felt held and supported navigating this road ahead that we never thought we would have to take. They have also given us language, tools and ideas to explore to talk about our experience and make memories with our baby. 

The whole team’s support has also meant that we don’t look at our time in medical care as a deep trauma but instead look at Worthing Hospital as the birthplace of our baby girl and as a place of special importance for us, where we received love, kindness and such personalised care from everyone we came into contact with. 

Our birth story was so hard and filled with so much sadness, but because of the outstanding medical care and compassion we received we feel strong enough to carry on with our lives.  

I’ve heard stories of bereavement services being overlooked in other hospitals so I would like to point out how important this is and how everyone in Worthing Hospital and the antenatal team has gone above and beyond – the team deserves the highest recognition for this.”

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Buckingham Ward at Worthing Hospital:

“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we nominate Buckingham Ward for the Hospital Trust’s Award Programme. Our team exemplifies excellence in healthcare through unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a patient-centred approach. The following highlights our team’s exceptional performance and the positive impact we have on our patients and community. 

At Buckingham Ward, our team works seamlessly together, fostering a culture of mutual support and collaboration. Our staff consistently demonstrate a commitment to helping each other, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of care. This collaborative spirit is the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to navigate challenging times with resilience and grace. 

Our team remains steadfastly professional, even in the face of adversity. We support one another through thick and thin, creating a nurturing environment that allows each member to thrive. This unwavering support system not only enhances our team’s performance but also ensures that our patients receive the best possible care. 

Buckingham Ward has faced numerous challenges, yet our resilience has never wavered. Our ability to adapt and persevere through difficult circumstances is a testament to our team’s strength and dedication. We continuously strive to improve and overcome obstacles, always with our patients’ well-being at the forefront of our efforts. 

The feedback we receive from patients, their relatives, and the community is overwhelmingly positive. Patients consistently commend our ward for the compassionate and high-quality care they receive. Relatives express gratitude for the support and kindness shown to their loved ones. 

Additionally, community members, including students who have worked with us, speak highly of our ward, further validating our commitment to excellence. Our team is driven by a shared commitment to putting our patients first. We embody the Trust values in every aspect of our work, ensuring that our patients’ needs and preferences are always prioritised. This patient-centred approach is the foundation of our practice and the key to our success. 

Buckingham Ward is a shining example of what can be achieved through teamwork, professionalism, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to patient-centred care. We are honoured to nominate our team for the Hospital Trust’s Award Programme and believe that our exceptional performance and dedication make us deserving of this prestigious recognition. 

We are currently working in extraordinary circumstances; our team are working through different challenges in their personal lives but are still working above and beyond to put our patients and each other first. This has not been easy, but we enjoy working together, fostering a friendly and supportive culture in our ward. We call ourselves a Buckingham family. Thank you for considering Buckingham Ward for this award. 

I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation and to nominate the exceptional staff of the Buckingham Ward for recognition due to the outstanding care and dedication they have shown during my husband’s treatment. As a family member, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable professionalism, compassion, and teamwork displayed by everyone in the ward.  

From the moment we arrived, it was evident that the staff were not only highly skilled but also incredibly caring. They demonstrated a deep understanding of the emotional and physical challenges that both patients and families face during hospitalisation. Each interaction was marked by kindness and genuine concern, whether it was a nurse checking in on my husband or a doctor taking the time to explain the treatment plan in detail. This level of attentiveness made a world of difference during what was an understandably stressful time.  

The communication throughout my husband’s stay was exceptional. The staff kept us informed every step of the way, ensuring that we were promptly updated on my husband’s condition, any changes in treatment, and what to expect next. I never once felt left in the dark, and this transparency gave us a sense of reassurance and control during a time of uncertainty. Whether in person or over the phone, the staff were consistently approachable and willing to answer any questions, no matter how small.  

One of the most impressive aspects was the way the ward operated as a team. It was clear that there was a high level of co-ordination between the nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants, and specialists, all working together to provide the best care possible. This smooth collaboration was evident in the way information was shared seamlessly, ensuring no detail was overlooked and that my husband received well-rounded, consistent care.  

I also cannot praise the staff’s empathy enough. Each team member took the time to engage with us personally, making sure we understood the situation and felt involved in the care process. Despite their busy schedules, they were always patient and kind, and there was never any hesitation to lend support when needed. The genuine warmth and professionalism of the staff were instrumental in helping us feel comfortable and confident in the care being provided.  

For all these reasons, I believe that the staff of Buckingham Ward truly deserve to be recognised for their outstanding service. Their unwavering commitment to patient care, their professionalism, and the heartfelt compassion they show to families like mine are qualities that should be celebrated. They have gone above and beyond in making an incredibly difficult time much easier to navigate, and I am deeply grateful for their efforts.  

Thank you for considering this nomination. I wholeheartedly believe that the exceptional team at Buckingham Ward is most deserving of this recognition. 

I am writing to express my gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care I received at the Buckingham Ward. As a patient, I felt well looked after from the moment I arrived. 

The staff members were incredibly friendly, approachable, and patient throughout my stay. They demonstrated great professionalism, always wearing appropriate PPE and ensuring I was comfortable and safe. I was impressed with the level of care and attention provided by each member of the team, especially during the night shift when I received excellent care. 

It was clear to me that the Buckingham Ward works seamlessly as a team, with everyone collaborating effectively to provide the best possible care for the patients. I felt reassured knowing I was in such capable and caring hands. 

I would like to nominate the staff of the Buckingham Ward for their outstanding service and commitment to patient well-being. Thank you once again for making my experience a positive one.

I am writing to share my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care my husband has received at Buckingham Ward. As a relative, it has been incredibly reassuring to see how well the staff have looked after him. 

The staff have been consistently friendly, approachable, and helpful, always keeping me informed promptly about his condition and progress. I am truly grateful for their open communication and willingness to address any questions or concerns I had. 

It is clear to me that Buckingham Ward functions as a well-coordinated team, with every member working together to provide excellent care. I would like to nominate the team at Buckingham Ward for their exceptional professionalism, kindness, and dedication to patient care. Thank you for all your support.” 

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Johanne Midgley, Head of Nursing for Medicine at Worthing Hospital:

“I am nominating as she has provided unwavering support over the past 18 months in my role. Jo is incredibly dedicated to education within the division and constantly encourages me to explore new ideas and take on fresh challenges for the benefit of staff within the division. 

As a Practice Development Nurse, I have experienced first-hand how Jo serves not only as a mentor to me but to the entire division. She fosters a culture of compassion and care, always willing to share her experiences and knowledge. Jo actively supports the development of all her staff, striving to ensure they reach their full potential. 

Thanks to Jo’s guidance and encouragement, I was able to complete my PGCert in Education, becoming a qualified teacher and securing a teaching internship at the University of Chichester. Her mentorship has been truly invaluable, and she is an exceptional nurse and role model.

Jo Midgeley stands out amongst her peers I see across the hospital for her compassionate and caring leadership setting and maintaining standards for herself and her team. She does this through a style rooted in mentoring her matrons and ward staff and operational colleagues in a way that is hugely supportive and considerate. 

Her work is a key enabler of a safe and well-functioning hospital, most especially with her leadership in setting up and then improving continuous flow at Worthing. Through her mentoring, kindness and leadership the whole hospital knows the importance of this such that the wards readily lean into support, even when short staffed and under pressure. 

None of this happens by chance which is a huge credit to her. This is something that she avoids accepting for herself, always finding ways to pass the success and accolade to her team or other colleagues. Her compassion for them is endless and they know it. On first acquaintance you wouldn’t necessarily spot the depth of her compassionate leadership in ensuring her team delivers, but she has it in volume. She has my unreserved recommendation for Worthing Hospital Hero.

Jo is an amazing role model for nursing.  Her drive and enthusiasm to improve care, standards and patient experience across the wards is second to none and developing nursing standard work and processes to help deliver this. 
 
Over her time in the HoN role, she has led the engagement of the wards, matrons and clinical teams in the daily management system roll out, ensuring the processes are embedded and the monitoring of the performance metrics is maintained by the daily huddles, use of DMS data boards and continually following up and ensuring compliance with data completion and evaluation. This is fed back to the ward teams monthly and has really driven improvement of many ward performance metrics – such as timeliness of obs, falls, appraisal and STAM compliance.  
 
Jo has recently reviewed the driver lanes for the DMS and to continue to improve the fundamental standard of care compliance has the key 4 now all as drivers for the wards, with weekly data for all wards being reviewed and monitored. Timeliness of obs over the past year have been generally >83% for all the wards with some wards achieving >95%, and Jo has managed to engage the ward managers in all the improvement processes to achieve this. 
 
Jo has also been instrumental in implementing the continuous flow model across the Worthing medicine wards over the past 4 +months. She has worked collaboratively with the site team to set up 3 times a day huddles, where the ward NIC, matrons, HoN, site and ops managers come together to review discharges, flow, staffing and discuss allocation of patients to ensure early movement of patients from the EF to the wards over the morning. 
 
Again her ability to engage the staff and ensure even in her absence that the process continues in a standard way has meant that this change in process has become embedded and accepted by teams. She ensures the wards support the transfer of patients from EF to wards and works collaboratively with site and EF /ED colleagues to support the capacity and flow from ED. With regard to other aspects of patient experience and safety – Jo responds immediately and appropriately to any concern raised around care provision, risk, and patient experience. 

She has high standards and consistently coaches and supports others in order to maintain best practise, and give kind, compassionate care.  She has gained the respect of the ward managers, matrons, clinical and divisional leadership/operational and hospital management teams. Jo is proactive in supporting any divisional plans and requirements to implement changes to pathways of care, or processes, and always approaches this with positivity and focus.     

Jo is tremendously committed to staff wellbeing and development and provides coaching to help staff develop and reflect and also goes out of her way to support staff who are struggling, stressed or needing support with health and wellbeing. Jo responds promptly to any patient or relative concern to support the ward teams and follows up incidents/ complaints with candour, showing kindness and compassion. 
 
Jo puts in many hours, often works over hours, to ensure that the wards and staff are supported in providing the best care the can, at times at detriment to her own health and wellbeing. Jo has been instrumental in implementing many changes across our medicine wards at Worthing to improve patient care and experience, and I believe is very worthy of this award.” 

This award is for staff and volunteers that have supported the hospital charities with their time, resource and expertise as well as fundraising to raise money for our hospitals. 

Coco Highton, Medical Secretary at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“Coco led and project managed the Commemorative Garden at Southlands, which took two years and was successfully completed last June. 

This project was handed to Coco in its entirety by her manager, Micki Lake. Coco worked closely with Juliet Sargeant, and drove the project to completion, handling all queries and hurdles Trust side. This involved going back to the sponsors with resolved issues until completion, liaising with Juliet and external agents, and keeping everything on track.  

In her role as project manager for the Commemorative Garden, Coco also worked closely with Stephen Mardlin, Steve Crump and other sponsors. Coco worked like a terrier on this project, including giving an enormous amount of her own time and energy. She felt it was an important wellness initiative for patients and staff and she put her heart and soul into it for two years. I personally witnessed her energy, drive and her determination to complete the garden successfully over a year and a half.  

It is an important quiet, reflective space for all people who have experienced trauma or who are facing current difficulties or hardship. During this busy time Coco also organised five van loads of blankets, warm jackets, nappies and sanitary wear, including the transport of items, to the Polish/ Ukrainian border for Ukrainian refugees by galvanising staff from the Trust (Speciality Medicine in particular) and from outside.  

I personally worked with Coco and my local Cuckfield tennis club members who were keen to make donations and together we sent dental hygiene products in addition to the above items. I was present when the driver arrived to collect our combined donations and saw the photograph the next day of the items being unloaded in Poland with grateful message of thanks. 

Fundraised for Southlands Commemorative Garden, Coco was sponsored to climb the Three Peaks and to cycle 524 miles from Balmoral to Buckingham Palace. She also organised five cross site raffles which involved knocking on doors in Brighton/Hove in the evenings and at weekends and contacting major supermarkets to get over £5k of free donations, including three Smart TVs, in her spare time. 

Coco is currently organising an Easter 2025 raffle for maintenance of the Commemorative Garden – and for this has sourced £3k worth of donations from houses around Southlands Hospital and Portslade/Shoreham and Tesco. She is planning a bike ride/sky dive initiative in late spring (to raise £10k total) with Steve Crump Director of Charity. Nearly all of these efforts are again made in her own time. 

The reason for this nomination is to recognise Coco’s extraordinary hard work and commitment over a long period of time to helping others. It is also to recognise her ability, energy and determination to overcome obstacles and see projects through to completion. I know that she enthusiastically wants to continue with similar projects in the future. I believe all of us in this Trust, and countless refugees in Poland have reason to be very grateful to Coco and I hope this nomination shines a light on her achievements so far.”

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Grahame Widdowson, Macmillan Volunteer Lead at Worthing Hospital:

“Grahame is an invaluable asset to both staff and patients within the cancer division. His unwavering dedication and compassionate approach make a profound difference in the lives of those he supports. 
 
As a Macmillan volunteer, Grahame provides essential advice, guidance, and referrals to cancer patients struggling with non-clinical challenges, including physical, emotional, and financial concerns, as well as support within the home. 

He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients receive the help they need, working closely with Cancer Support Workers and Clinical Nurse Specialists when additional expertise is required. 
 
Beyond his official duties, Grahame creates a welcoming and reassuring environment for patients. He takes the time to sit with those who are anxious, offering a comforting presence and a warm cup of tea. 

Identifying a need, he voluntarily took on the role of serving refreshments and assisting with lunch rounds—actions that were never expected of him but that he embraced wholeheartedly. His kindness and enthusiasm for the work done in the Amberley Unit are truly infectious. 
 
Grahame’s leadership extends beyond patient care. He has taken on the role of Lead Volunteer, actively recruiting, interviewing, training, and mentoring new Macmillan volunteers. Additionally, he champions patient feedback, encouraging participation in the Friends and Family Test to ensure continuous service improvement. 
 
His dedication, compassion, and proactive approach have made a lasting impact on the cancer support service, and he is truly deserving of this recognition. 
 
From Macmillan Information & Support Worker, Marion Misselbrook: 
Grahame Widdowson volunteered here at the Fernhurst. Part of his duties was to visit wards and introduce himself as a Macmillan Volunteer, but to also talk about how we could help. He was also a listening ear for those dealing with their diagnosis of cancer.  

Grahame has so many amazing qualities far too many to list here. He took his time introducing himself to the staff on the wards that became confident that he would attend each week, and they would point him in the direction of inpatients with the diagnosis of cancer. 
 
He would have conversations with the patients talking about all sorts of things ranging from his enjoyment in sailing to talking about how he spends his retirement. 

Grahame is dependable, always willing to help in any capacity. In my eyes and the eyes of those patients he has met he will always be a star and just by being nominated proves the good work Grahame has given to our Trust.” 

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Sophie’s Legacy at St Richard’s Hospital:

“Sophie’s Legacy was created in memorial of Sophie Fairall and the legacy of change she wanted to create. Sophie had just turned 9 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma in September 2020.  

During her treatment, she endured 9 rounds of intense chemotherapy and 7 weeks of radiotherapy. Sophie never managed to get into remission and in June 2021, after only eight weeks on a programme of maintenance chemotherapy, she relapsed. With no treatment options left Sophie passed away aged 10, in September 2021, just 1 year after her diagnosis. 

Sophie set out writing her bucket list and was able to achieve some incredible experiences. Most of these she did through pain and discomfort and often I did not think they would be possible – but through grit and determination she did. She also wanted to change a number of things nationally and wrote these on her bucket list for me to achieve in her memory. 

The charity is doing their best to carry out Sophie’s bucket list. They are providing basic food and snacks for parents in the paediatric ward, neonatal ward also A&E. They also bring pizzas every Friday to make sure parents are well fed and can enjoy a hot meal. 

Also, further plans are that they are looking for ways to provide frozen ready meals so that parents could have a hot meal if they wanted. Other than food, the Charity also provides basic hygiene needs to our Mum’s and items to support in their breastfeeding journey.” 

The Star of the Year award is selected from those named as Star of the Month and provides an opportunity for any member of staff, bank worker or volunteer across the organisation, in all areas to be recognised for their efforts.

Amy Braganza, Senior Nurse at St Richard’s Hospital:

“I feel compelled to nominate Amy for a Star of the Month award, having witnessed her go above and beyond to improve the experience and wellbeing of a patient and family during a critical illness admission. 

I am proud to work alongside Amy as senior nurse in the Critical Care Unit! Our patients are always at the forefront of her focus and work. She is the epitome of our Trust values-kind, compassionate and respectful to all. Amy is consistently contentious and professional and looks to see how she can improve the service we provide our patients in critical care. 

We recently had a very sad case of a young lady who was critically unwell. The family requested a Polish speaking Roman Catholic Priest, which the Trust were unable to provide. Amy reached out to her local Catholic church community and found a Polish Priest. They were able to visit that very same day to offer invaluable support to the patient and family. The priest also offered to come back again if she could be of any further help. 

Amy managed to organise this whilst leading the team through a busy shift. The unit was understaffed, with many complex patients. Amy managed the day as she always does, calm and professional. 

Amy recognised what was important to the patient and family and found a way to make it happen! She is very much deserving of a Star of the Month award, and we are very lucky to have her on our team.” 

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Children’s Emergency Department at St Richard’s Hospital: 

“I would like to nominate the team in paediatric emergency department (ED) at St Richard’s, following the move of the paediatric area in ED, in March 2023, and the amazing work to refurbish and redecorate this area and make it a much more suitable environment for our children and young people attending ED.  

Following the very sad death of a child after attending ED, who left without being seen due to the overcrowding of the paediatric area in December 2022, Rachel Wilkinson, Paediatric Nurse Consultant, led the plans and drive to get the paediatric area relocated to the former area of CDU. 

With the help of Sister, Sam Deveson, and supported by Liz, Matron, the team totally refurbished the area. Rachel liaised with estates for some minor works to give a better triage room, MH room and further cubicle. 

Rachel set up a fundraising page which saw large numbers of donations from community and from many parents who wanted to support, and as well as the UHSx charities, approached charities such as Rocking Horse and Concern for Life, and managed to get the artwork for the walls undertaken free of charge by a local artist and by the local college students. 

The area is now a friendly, welcoming environment, offering lots of distractions for the children who attend, who can sit and work out all the puzzles within some of the wall artwork. The waiting area is much larger, with a large variety of toys, as well as the additional rooms mentioned for specific needs.  

This project gained the support of the whole ED paediatric team and we are so proud of all the hard work and determination by the senior nurse leads mentioned who really got this new area up and running to ensure experience for our CYP and parents is improved. 

Rachel also secured the grand opening ceremony and was determined to have someone well known to open this in September and managed to arrange media coverage of Hugh Bonneville attending.  

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James Muggeridge, Senior Digital Communcations Officer, Trust-wide:

“I want to nominate James for taking on and delivering, in such a short space of time, a comprehensive review and revision of signage in the Louisa Martindale Building (LMB) and across the RSCH site. His commitment and passion in getting this work completed has been outstanding and has had a real and meaningful impact on the experience of patients, visitors and staff.  

Since the opening of the LMB building in June 2023, myself and my colleagues at the main reception, have received numerous complaints about inadequate and incorrect signage throughout LMB and the RSCH site. We often had patients come to the reception in highly emotional and angry states due to their inability to find certain wards and departments. Some patients had also missed appointments due to getting lost trying to find certain departments.  

This situation has without doubt drastically improved since James undertook his project. Feedback that we have received at the LMB reception since the new signs have been put in place has been outstanding. Patients and visitors have commented on how it is so much easier to navigate around not just LMB but to also transfer to the other RSCH buildings. 

In particular, patients and visitors have commented on the clarity and user-friendly new colour coded navigation system. They have commented on how they can now access the rest of the RSCH site from LMB as there is now vastly improved signage at most key points throughout the hospital. The new signage has without doubt been a key factor in joining up not only the LMB building but all the buildings across the RSCH estate.  

We have also obtained extremely positive feedback from Trust volunteers in LMB, A&E and the Children’s hospital about the new signs. The volunteers have commented on the clarity of the signs especially on level 6 of LMB and the lift areas including the new large lift signs on LMB first floor. Our LMB Wayfinder volunteers have also highlighted how much easier it is for patients to understand and use the new signage colour coded system.  

We have also received excellent feedback from Trust staff about how the new signs have helped them in moving throughout the RSCH site and how it has supported them when transferring patients especially to A&E and EACU. 

The most recent feedback was last week from the RSCH hospital chaplain. She summed it up perfectly when she shared that herself and her chaplaincy colleagues often referred to “the lost souls of level 6” regarding patients and visitors who they often found wandering along the 6th floor of the Louisa Martindale Building. The chaplain and her team mentioned that the new signs have made such a difference in accessibility and in supporting patients and visitors as well as staff in getting around the hospital site.  

As you will see from the above feedback, the reaction to the new signs has been overwhelmingly positive, and so much of this is due to not only the technical expertise of James but also due to his willingness and openness to listen to and act on the concerns and suggestions of others.  

As a reception team we have ‘bombarded’ James with feedback and suggestions, all of which he always listened to, considered and acted on in an open, professional and collaborative manner. James without doubt had very successfully incorporated a vast range of patient, staff and volunteer feedback into this impressive and impactful project.  

James’ work has supported the Trust’s commitment to improving the patient and staff experience. James is a credit to the Trust and embodies the values of the organisation and would in my opinion be a very worthy Star of the Month.” 

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Mark Holmes, Stroke Ward Manager at Royal Sussex County Hospital:

“Mark was walking through the LMB foyer, when he noticed a wife holding her husband – the situation didn’t look right so Mark went up to the couple to see if everything was ok. 

The husband looked very unwell and proceeded to collapse. Mark quickly grabbed a wheelchair helped the husband into the chair and rushed around to the discharge lounge. The husband then went into cardiac arrest and Mark with the discharge team proceeded to do CPR and both out cardiac arrest call. 

The arrest team arrived, and the husband came out of cardiac arrest, the husband was moved to cardiac ward. Mark’s awareness of the initial situation in offering help with the quick thinking, and decision making to grab a chair and rush to the discharge lounge helped save the husband’s life. 

Later in that afternoon the husband was awake and with his family – how were very grateful.” 

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Security team (D Shift) at Royal Sussex County Hospital: 

“I would like to submit the following names of the D Shift Security Team for consideration for the Star of the Month award: Tom Vickers, Jordan Winstone, Adam Mehr, Peter Graus. These four officers were part of a response to a report of a vulnerable missing patient earlier this month. The control room was informed of a vulnerable missing person by the ward for a period of time.

The officers responded quickly and professionally, back tracking CCTV at the patients last known point and identifying their exit route. This allowed the CCTV controller to identify where the vulnerable patient was.

The officers above responded and under the direction of the CCTV controller (Tom Vickers) located the patient.

The officers supported the vulnerable person and attempted to ensure their safety whilst dealing with the situation. Police were involved and the Trust’s Security Officers were thanked personally by the police in attendance for their prompt response and recovery of the vulnerable person as had they not intervened, the outcome could have been averse to the patient’s wellbeing. 

The vulnerable patient was then returned to a place of safety to receive further care.  

As a department we would like to be able to offer the staff involved in this matter a tangible reward and recognition for their actions. This is now respectfully submitted for your consideration.”