Extraordinary staff and volunteers recognised at awards event

Midwives, Allied Health Professionals and support services staff were among the winners of this year’s Annual Excellence Awards at Walsall Healthcare.

A glittering ceremony, which took place on Friday 23 February 2024 at the Poundland Bescot Stadium in Walsall, was attended by around 200 staff and volunteers, with finalists nominated by colleagues and patients alongside their families and carers.

Hosts Dr Manjeet Shehmar, Chief Medical Officer, and Alan Duffell, Group Chief People Officer, welcomed staff to the first face-to-face staff awards since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the Trust’s choir entertained guests as they arrived at the venue.

The 14 award categories included Rising Star Award, Compassionate Leader Award and Learner of the Year Award, while the Sister Dora Award enabled the public to show their gratitude for the care they or a loved one had received.

Professor David Loughton CBE, Group Chief Executive, opened the event via a special video message.

He said: “The Excellence Awards gives opportunity to celebrate our brilliant staff. It is a testament to their perseverance, innovation, and passion for transforming services and enhancing patient experiences.

“You are all a credit to the Trust.”

Kevin Stringer, Group Chief Finance Officer & Group Deputy Chief Executive, added: “I want to thank you for your continued efforts and commitment – you should feel immensely proud that your contribution has been recognised.

“I would also like to thank the awards steering group and the multidisciplinary judging panel who scored and selected our winners.”

The evening was funded by The Walsall Hospital Company Plc, System C and the Trust’s Well Wishers charity who were all in attendance on the night, while the charity hosted a raffle which raised an additional £458 towards purchasing items over and above what the NHS can provide.

Congratulations to the winners:

• Rising Star Award: Fiona Morgan, Digital Lead Midwife
• Compassionate Leader Award: Dr Aditya Kuravi, Clinical Director of Theatres, Anaesthetics and Critical Care
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award: Hannah Cook, Clinical Research Midwife
• Research and Innovation Award: Dr Rumi Jaumdally, Consultant Cardiologist
• Volunteer Award: Jean Downes and Doreen Wilson
• Workplace Health and Wellbeing Award: Dr Sindeep Lehl, Macmillan Principal Counselling Psychologist in Oncology and Palliative Care
• Learner of the Year Award: Sarah Want, Dietetics Apprentice
• Clinical Colleague of the Year Award: Victoria Cox, Specialist Dietitian
• Non-Clinical Colleague of the Year: Lisa Hall, Administrator – Safeguarding and Children in Care
• Team of the Year Award: Patient Relations and Experience Team.
• Unsung Heroes Award: Kristina Foley, Registered Midwife and Health in Pregnancy Practitioner
• Trust Values Award: Melanie Jones, Senior Practice Education Facilitator
• Sister Dora Award: Louise Woolams, Community Midwife
• Chief Executive’s Award: Jonathan Morris, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Team Leader

Sir David Nicholson KCB CBE, Group Chair of the Board, closed last Friday’s event with a word of thanks.

He said: It has been a privilege to attend this year’s awards ceremony – to hear so many inspirational stories and to meet so many amazing people. Thank you for keeping the NHS moving forward at this challenging time.”