People First Recognition Awards 2024 - Winners
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People First Recognition Awards 2024 - The Winners
On Thursday 14 November, the People First Recognition Awards Annual Ceremony was held at Colwick Hall, Nottingham. Hosted by Emma Caldwell, local Radio and TV Presenter, 370 staff members, sponsors and guests attended a wonderful evening to celebrate the achievements of everyone shortlisted for the awards this year, and to see who would be announced the winner or winners in each of the 12 award categories.
The 2024 winners are:
Charity Champion Award Winner
Hayward House Team
The Hayward House Team actively supports Nottingham Hospitals Charity, participating in various fundraising events each year for their specialist palliative care unit. Additionally, they host their own events like coffee mornings and fairs, and maintain collection boxes. The funds are essential for the Hayward House Appeal, aiding in garden and building improvements for patients, families, and staff.
Hidden Gem Award Winner
Natalie Hancox — Transformation GIRFT Programme Lead
Natalie has an outstanding work ethic and is a constant source of innovative ideas and knowledge. She is working with almost every clinical specialty and division helping them achieve their 'Getting it right first time' (GIRFT) standards and targets. Waiting lists are improving, productivity is increasing, our national standing is evident for all to see, and our patients are benefitting due to her expertise. Working independently for months, she has accomplished the work typically expected of a full team. She is the very definition of a "hidden gem".
Inclusion Award Winner
Vignesh Murali — Deputy Divisional General Manager
Vignesh is deeply committed to fostering a culture of acceptance and celebrating individuality in the workplace. His authentic approach inspires others to embrace their true selves, creating an environment where everyone feels valued. As the lead for inclusion in his Division, he recognised the absence of an inclusion infrastructure and took action. He has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, embodies fairness, equity, and inclusivity, and his leadership as the new Chair of the BAME Network amplifies BAME staff voices.
Innovation Award Winner
Dr Simon Paine and Mr Stuart Smith — Consultant Neuropathologist / Consultant Neurosurgeon
Simon and Stuart are collaborating across Divisions and with the University to introduce a ground-breaking new technology into the NHS for diagnosing brain tumours. They have overcome significant challenges, including financial constraints, by establishing a research study that demonstrated tumours could be diagnosed in just 1 hour and 20 minutes, rather than the typical 6+ weeks. They have broken an international record for the speed of brain tumour diagnosis, showcasing the potential of innovative solutions in healthcare.
Inspirational Leader Award Winner
Donna Jones — Head of Facilities
Donna is an exceptional and inspirational leader, known for her unwavering drive and contagious enthusiasm. She communicates with empathy, even in challenging situations, and has broken barriers as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her leadership has profoundly impacted areas like patient flow and has driven business results while cultivating a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and respect. Starting her career as a cleaning services assistant, she has risen to a significant role, sharing her remarkable journey to inspire others.
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Kevin Tate — Theatres Deputy Team Leader (ODP) and Legacy Mentor
Kevin is an amazing teacher and supportive legacy mentor who has significantly contributed to the NHS for 50 years. Over the years he has led neuro theatres and the training and education team in theatres, focusing on dementia and other subjects. His interactive and enjoyable teaching style has impacted many careers.
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Teresa Burton — Radiography Clinical Specialist
Teresa is set to retire after years of dedicated service as a radiographer, during which she has made a significant impact in the radiology department. Known for her unwavering commitment to excellence and passion for her work, she has transformed the department and positively influenced both staff and patients.
Outstanding Team Award Winner
Endoscopy Administration Team
The Endoscopy Administration Team has successfully recovered post-COVID to become an engaged, patient-focused, and innovative group. They prioritise feedback and learning, which has fostered a robust, motivated team environment that significantly impacts both patients and staff. Notably, they have reduced patient backlogs by over 1,000, ensuring timely treatment, cancer targets are constantly met, and the most urgent patients treated to maintain flow and capacity.
Partnerships Award Winner
East Midlands CYP Sexual Assault Service Team (EMCYPSAS)
The East Midlands Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service team, based at QMC, exemplifies exceptional partnership work. Comprising of crisis support workers (CSWs) employed by a charity and NUH staff, they operate seamlessly, providing a 24/7 / 365 day service to support children and young people who have experienced sexual assault.
Patient Experience Award Winner
Emma Dimmock — Therapy Support Worker
Emma is an invaluable member of the critical care and therapy team, known for her quiet dedication and profound impact on patients’ lives. She provides exceptional care at a time when patients are most vulnerable, approaching each individual with compassion, empathy, and kindness. Her innovative spirit shines through as she continuously seeks new ways to engage patients in their rehabilitation journeys.
Public Award Winner
Mr Shailinder Singh — Consultant Paediatric Surgeon
Mr Singh was nominated for saving the life of his nominator's son, bringing him back from the brink of death through miraculous medical intervention. His actions profoundly changed the family’s life and after three surgeries, Mr Singh has stayed in touch with the family, offering constant reassurance.
Public Award Winner
Paediatric Orthopaedic Therapy Team
The team were nominated for going above and beyond for their nominator's son, who was an elite gymnast before suffering a severe heel injury that led to Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Their compassion and dedication helped him regain faith in healthcare professionals and thanks to their unwavering support, he has made significant progress. Their nominator said, "They haven’t just done their job; they’ve transformed his life by helping him believe in himself. "
Rising Star Award Winner
Liam Newbold — Healthcare Assistant
As a young lad coming into a predominantly female working environment and looking after acutely unwell elderly ladies with no healthcare experience and no work life experience was very daunting for Liam and initially it showed. However, he is a shining example of not giving up, rolling his sleeves up and finding the confidence to develop into a wonderful healthcare assistant. He will do anything for anyone.
Volunteer Award Winner
Roy Brookes-Porter
Roy has an extraordinary commitment and passion for serving others. His impact within elective orthopaedics and the ward serves as a beacon of inspiration. His tireless dedication to the well-being of both staff and patients is nothing short of remarkable. He offers boundless kindness, compassion, and support, bringing hope to patients during challenging times.