Shortlist

Lily Turnbull, Staff Nurse

Lily joined the EAU team as a newly qualified nurse during an extremely challenging period. She quickly became a valued and much‑loved member of the ward. She arrives each day with kindness, positivity, and a genuine commitment to her patients, often going above and beyond to support those who are anxious, vulnerable, or in need of extra care. Lily shows exceptional compassion, whether she is advocating for worried relatives, helping patients with additional needs, or simply taking the time to listen. Her dedication, gentle manner, and willingness to learn and support others truly embody excellence, making her a standout nurse deserving of recognition.

Mohammad Hussain, Lead Outpatient Pharmacist

Mohammad is an exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable pharmacist who consistently delivers safe, efficient and compassionate care. He works with a “no delay” approach, ensuring prescriptions, queries and safety checks are completed promptly so patients receive their medications without unnecessary waiting. Mohammad always takes time to update and reassure patients. He supports colleagues during busy periods, and actively engages in learning and staff development, including creating monthly pharmacy quizzes to strengthen team knowledge. His reliability, kindness and commitment to high‑quality care make him a truly outstanding member of the pharmacy team.

Rachel Embleton, Healthcare Assistant

Rachel is an exceptionally kind and compassionate member of the paediatrics team She always bringing warmth, positivity and genuine care to every child, young person and family she meets. She consistently goes the extra mile. Supporting children with additional needs, helping families feel at ease, and finding creative ways to make the environment welcoming, including artwork and fidget boxes for anxious patients. Rachel is a supportive colleague, a dedicated team player, and someone whose enthusiasm and kindness brighten the day for everyone around her. She truly reflects excellence in everything she does and is deeply valued by both staff and families.

Community Dental Team

The Community Dental Team provides kind, patient‑centred care to people who often struggle most with dental treatment. This includes patients with special needs and those who are very anxious. The team takes extra time to reassure, explain and adapt appointments and works closely with other services to make sure every patient gets the support they need. Warm, skilled and consistently praised by families, they deliver high‑quality care with compassion and are a true asset to the Trust.

Community Learning Disabilities Team

The Community Learning Disability Team provides exceptional, compassionate support to some of the area’s most vulnerable people, consistently going above and beyond to improve their wellbeing and independence. Their skilled, patient‑centred work has led to life‑changing outcomes—from helping someone step outside for the first time in 20 years to coordinating complex health checks for patients with significant needs. Warm, highly skilled and deeply committed to equality and inclusion, the team makes a profound difference every day and is truly deserving of recognition.

Recovery at Home Team

The Recovery at Home team makes a huge difference by helping unwell patients stay safely in their own homes, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting people where they feel most comfortable. The team delivers compassionate, patient‑centred care every day and has even introduced new ways of working, such as an improved IV antibiotic service. Warm, skilled and always focused on what’s best for patients, the team truly puts people at the heart of everything they do.

Andrea Hewitt, Pharmacy Assistant

Andrea is an outstanding pharmacy assistant who supports over 200 patients a day with calmness, kindness and real care, even during the busiest times. She always takes extra time to listen, explain and reassure, which has a big impact on patients who may be anxious or confused. She regularly steps in to help colleagues and keep the department running smoothly. Her patience, professionalism and positive attitude make her a huge asset to the Trust and a brilliant example of excellent patient care.

Paediatric Secretaries, Administration Supports and Ward Clerks

The team regularly go above and beyond, always putting the patient at the forefront of every interaction. Although they don't often see these patients face to face they ensure every action is followed through and nothing is missed in the patient's treatment journey. Despite tough pressures, they continue to show compassion, teamwork and dedication.

Receptionists and Caretakers at Washington Primary Care Centre

This team constantly goes the extra mile for both patients and colleagues, stepping in without hesitation to help in difficult situations and always putting people first. From assisting seriously unwell visitors and arranging transport, to personally escorting patients through snow and ice to make sure they reach their appointments safely, they show kindness, teamwork and genuine care every day. They are hardworking, supportive and truly committed to giving the best service possible.

Victoria Jones, MS Co-ordinator

Victoria is a hugely valued member of the MS team, using her 20+ years of experience to support patients with kindness and exceptional organisation. She is the first point of contact for many people with MS, building strong, trusting relationships and often spotting important symptoms or concerns early. Calm, proactive and always compassionate, Victoria keeps the team running smoothly behind the scenes and makes a real difference to patient safety and experience every day.

Dementia and Delirium Outreach Team

The Dementia and Delirium Outreach Team (DDOT) delivers one of the most comprehensive and innovative dementia pathways in the country, supporting more than 4,000 older adults every year. The team consistently achieve exceptional clinical outcomes, including 100% delirium screening, a 28.3% reduction in inpatients, and dramatically shorter memory‑clinic waits. All this while providing compassionate, person‑centred care. As the only nurse‑led service of its kind in the region, DDOT leads pioneering initiatives such as digital cognitive screening, the HELP programme, and a dementia‑friendly therapeutic day centre. Its excellence and impact was recognised nationally with double finalist status at the 2025 Nursing Times Awards.

Ophthalmology A&E Team

The Ophthalmology A&E Team is a small but incredibly dedicated group who provide a 24‑hour emergency eye service with outstanding efficiency and care. Despite being only 9 nurses and 8 nurse practitioners, they keep most patient waits to just 60–90 minutes and achieve zero breaches on most days. The telephone triage service goes even further, supporting patients at home, improving safety and reducing unnecessary attendance. This team consistently goes the extra mile, showing compassion, teamwork and commitment that truly embodies excellence in all that they do.

Ward B28

Ward B28 is an outstanding team who care for some of the Trust’s sickest renal and haematology patients, often needing complex treatments like dialysis and chemotherapy. This year the team faced huge challenges, including a CPE outbreak and rising patient needs, yet continued to provide safe, kind and reliable care every single day.  Teamwork has been remarkable, supporting other wards and even organising an wedding for a terminally ill patient to give a family precious memories. Ward B28 demonstrates exactly what excellence looks like: skilled, compassionate and always there for patients and each other.

Aya Musbahi, Consultant Surgeon

Aya is described as an ‘exceptional surgical researcher’ who has made major national and international contributions to the field of bariatric surgery. She leads groundbreaking studies, including the Trust’s first NIHR‑funded surgical trial and has built a culture of innovation, mentorship, and academic excellence within the team. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to advancing patient care have transformed the bariatric unit into a centre of research excellence.

Cardiology Team

This team has played a vital role in advancing cardiovascular research at our Trust. Leading important work to understand the impact of Lipoprotein (a), a lesser‑known but significant risk factor at risk of cardiovascular disease. By screening more than 2,000 patients and recruiting 760 into their study with outstanding data quality, they have positioned STSFT as a national leader in this emerging field. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving outcomes for our high‑risk population have strengthened the Trust’s reputation and paved the way for future lifesaving treatments.

Ophthalmology Research Team

The Ophthalmology Research Team has helped to transform research within the Trust. Delivering complex clinical trials with outstanding care, compassion, and professionalism. Over the past 15 years, the team has built an internationally recognised programme that brings cutting‑edge treatments to patients and makes research part of everyday practice. The team has played a key role in planning for the new Eye Hospital, working tirelessly to ensure research remains a core part of service delivery during and after the transition.

Uma Nath, Consultant Neurologist

Uma has been a passionate and influential champion for Parkinson’s research at STSFT. She has built strong regional and national partnerships that have helped our Dementias and Neurogenerative diseases (DeNDRoN) portfolio grow dramatically. Her dedication, balancing significant clinical pressures while always creating time for research, has enabled patients to access high‑quality studies and positioned the Trust as a respected leader in this field. Even as she approaches partial retirement, her commitment, mentorship, and unwavering focus on patient care continue to inspire colleagues and shape the future of our research programme.

Isabelle Forbister, Apprentice Healthcare Assistant

Isabelle joined the team in late 2024 with no healthcare experience but instantly showed a natural talent and genuine vocation for caring for others. She consistently goes above and beyond for patients, families, and colleagues, offering thoughtful, personalised care, staying calm under pressure, and supporting the team with kindness and maturity. Her attitude, compassion, and exceptional commitment make her a rising star.

Ellie Hodgson, ICT Infrastructure Technician

Ellie has developed quickly since joining the Trust in 2022. Moving from a junior role to a senior technical position thanks to her rapid learning, strong work ethic, and impressive technical ability. She consistently goes above and beyond, leading key projects, improving cybersecurity, and supporting colleagues. All while providing excellent customer service and keeping patient care at the heart of her work. Her initiative, professionalism, and commitment make her a real asset to the Trust.

Jade Burrell, Domestic Supervisor

Jade has shown remarkable growth and confidence since stepping up from Domestic Assistant to Supervisor. Quickly becoming a trusted and effective leader. She goes above and beyond. Mastering complex systems, supporting staff development, and handling major challenges, like a flood at the Eye Infirmary, with professionalism and calm. Her enthusiasm, proactive approach, and commitment to high standards make her an invaluable asset to the team and truly deserving of recognition.

Kerry Wynn, Clinical Nurse Educator

Kerry has led several innovative infection‑prevention initiatives, including launching the “IV Got It Right” campaign, which has significantly reduced cannula‑related infections. She delivers creative, memorable training sessions that staff consistently rate highly. She uses engaging themes and tailored content to meet learning needs. Through her research, education, and commitment to improving practice, Kerry has made a strong contribution to patient safety and clinical excellence across the Trust.

Layton Forster, Porter

Layton is a valued member of the Portering Team. He first joined the Trust through a work‑experience placement, before successfully securing a permanent role. He carries out his duties with reliability, enthusiasm and professionalism, supporting both patients and colleagues with a positive attitude. His dedication, teamwork, and commitment to delivering high‑quality service were evident in his nomination.

Luke Baillie, Education and Training Systems Officer

Luke is an outstanding member of the Workforce team who consistently goes far beyond his data‑reporting role, offering practical support, problem‑solving, and guidance to colleagues across the Trust. He is known for his proactive approach, willingness to step in at short notice, and commitment to improving systems and processes to benefit others.

Ernest Chisenga, Exercise Practitioner

Ernest is an experienced Exercise Practitioner who contributes significantly to pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation services. He delivers personalised exercise programmes, supports patients to build confidence, and maintains a positive and motivating atmosphere within his sessions. His strong clinical approach, consistent patient praise, and commitment to service improvement highlight his value to the team.

Joan Cannell, Healthcare Assistant

Joan is a quietly dedicated team member who always gives her best. Offering calm, caring support to every patient she meets. She routinely does far more than her role requires Bringing comfort, reassurance, and kindness to people during some of their most difficult moments. Her steady presence, thoughtful actions, and genuine dedication make her an invaluable part of the community team.

Kelly Brown, Administration Lead

Kelly is the quiet powerhouse behind the schools-based Mental Health Support Team, ensuring the service reaches every child who needs support. She carried much of the admin workload during a challenging year due to staff sickness. Kelly shows exceptional resilience, professionalism, and commitment. Her contribution is exceptional, and she fully embodies what it means to be an unsung hero.

Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Team

The DAHA team is small but incredibly dedicated, doing everything they can to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and finding creative solutions when standard support isn’t enough. Its work has been praised by specialist domestic abuse organisations for saving lives, spotting danger early and bridging the gap between healthcare and specialist services so people don’t fall through the cracks. Compassionate, skilled and highly trusted, they make a powerful difference to patients, families and staff and truly deserve recognition.

Financial Services Team

The Financial Services Team is a hardworking group who keep the Trust’s finances running smoothly and always look for ways to improve how things are done. Over the last year they have reduced debt, paid suppliers faster, improved processes, and supported each other through busy and difficult periods. They are reliable, caring and committed, and they make a big difference to the Trust every day.

Telecoms Team

The Telecoms Team helps keep the Trust connected. Always calm, reliable and ready to help, even when juggling multiple projects. The team ensures the Trust’s communication systems run smoothly at all times. In emergencies, they drop everything, day or night, to restore vital phone services so patient care can continue safely. The dedication, clear communication and commitment to supporting every department make them an exceptional team deserving of recognition.

Caroline Ewers and Sophie Heslop, Speech and Language Therapists

Caroline and Sophie developed what’s believed to be the UK’s first social café for people recovering from head and neck cancer. Creating a supportive space that reduces isolation and encourages social confidence after treatment. Their work translates research into practical support, offering patients and families a safe place to connect, share experiences, and rebuild confidence in communication and eating. Their innovative, patient‑centred approach has gained national interest and is now shaping future models of care.

Daniel Harrison, Advanced Practitioner Pharmacist

Daniel has led several major innovations that have improved patient care, including introducing elastomeric pumps, developing a new discharge pathway for patients with atrial fibrillation, and helping establish the Respiratory Monitoring Hub for people with COPD. His work has enhanced patient experience, supported earlier discharge, increased efficiency, and created Trust‑wide systems that are now used across services. Through his collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement, Daniel has delivered measurable benefits for both patients and staff.

Immediate Care Assessment and Rehabilitation (ICAR)

The ICAR team has successfully introduced a new self‑administration of medicines pilot, enabling suitable patients to manage their own medication safely while in hospital and preparing them for greater independence at home. Staff have embraced the new approach, supported by secure patient lockers and both patient and staff feedback has been highly positive. Their commitment to person‑centred care and willingness to adopt new ways of working has improved patient experience and strengthened discharge readiness.

Adam Remmer, Ward Manager

Adam has made a big difference since becoming Ward Manager, bringing fresh leadership that has improved patient care, boosted rehabilitation opportunities and lifted staff morale. Under his guidance, the ward is now fully compliant with IPC standards, teamwork has strengthened, and the environment has been redesigned to help patients stay mobile and avoid de‑conditioning. His enthusiasm, organisation and commitment to safe, high‑quality care have transformed the ward in just a few months.

Lorna Gillespie, Neonatal Consultant

Lorna has been a dedicated Neonatal Consultant for over 20 years and has transformed the team with her calm, supportive and inspiring leadership. She creates a culture where everyone feels valued, listened to and encouraged to grow. She helps staff gain confidence, develop new skills and improve neonatal care across the service. Her compassion, mentorship and commitment to excellence make a real difference to both families and colleagues every day.

Natalie Graham, Matron (Maternity)

Natalie is a calm, reliable leader who supports her team through even the most challenging situations. She is approachable, professional and always puts patient safety first, often stepping in personally to ensure patients' needs are met with compassion and care. Highly motivated and committed to improvement, she inspires her team every day and truly reflects the Trust’s values and vision of excellence.

Stella Devlin, Head of Paediatric Audiology

Stella has transformed the Paediatric Audiology service, leading it through a period of transition and turning it into a model of good practice for other Trusts. With honesty, compassion and strong leadership, she has improved safety and raised compliance with national standards from 10% to over 50%. She is trusted by families, respected by colleagues and has created a culture of openness, learning and excellence that has genuinely improved care for children.

Ali Khan, Energy and Sustainability Officer

Ali has transformed the Trust’s approach to sustainability by creating its first clear carbon baseline, giving the organisation a proper understanding of its environmental impact. He goes above and beyond - streamlining data, driving green initiatives, and inspiring colleagues to embed sustainability into everyday decisions. His work has set the Trust on a structured, measurable path toward reducing emissions and achieving long‑term environmental excellence.

Tree Planting Project Team

Around 60 volunteers from the Trust, partner organisations, and the local community came together to plant over 2,000 trees at South Tyneside District Hospital. This created a lasting green space despite a very limited budget. The event showed exceptional teamwork, commitment, and community spirit. It included a moving moment where a much‑loved late colleague planted the first tree with her family. This now serves as a special memorial. The project will benefit patients, staff, wildlife, and the environment for years to come.

Ayesha Marshall, Nurse Consultant, Tissue Viability

Ayesha has shown exceptional leadership by creating a multilingual eLearning package on pressure ulcer prevention. This has supported international colleagues to access vital clinical training in their own language. Her work has improved understanding, boosted staff confidence, and made education more inclusive for those who can find English‑only resources challenging. This innovative project has already supported more than 50 staff and has been praised for making people feel valued, respected and better equipped to deliver safe care. Ayesha’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; combined with her proactive, compassionate approach, has made a meaningful difference across the Trust.

Lung Cancer Screening Programme

The Team has made a huge impact by bringing early lung cancer detection to people who need it most. Completing over 33,000 lung health checks and finding more than 180 cancers most at the early stages when treatment works best. They work hard to reach disadvantaged and vulnerable groups by taking screening into communities, mental health facilities, GP practices, workplaces and town centres, while offering interpreters, accessible information and practical adjustments to remove barriers. This small but dedicated team is improving health equality across the region and helping save lives every day.

Renal Administration Team

The team has made a big difference to patients by helping improve access to the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. Especially for people who struggle to afford travel to appointments. The team set up its own system to process travel claims directly in the renal department, saving patients who are unwell or attend several times a week from having to make difficult extra trips across the hospital. This proactive, compassionate approach has improved patient experience, reduced barriers to care and shown real commitment to fairness and inclusion.

Debra Tulip, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Debra is a hugely valued member of the Acute Stroke and Neuro‑rehabilitation Teams. She is described as always going above and beyond to support patients, colleagues, and the wider department. She builds strong relationships with patients, offers thoughtful personal touches, and consistently steps in during busy periods to keep therapy services running smoothly. Her compassion, creativity, and dedication to high‑quality care were evident in her nomination.

Emmanuel Ndubuisi, Staff Nurse

Emmanuel was recognised for acting swiftly and bravely when a fire broke out at a patient’s bedside. He immediately isolated the oxygen supply and moved the patient to safety. His quick thinking prevented the fire from spreading and protected both the patient and the rest of the ward from serious harm. His calm professionalism, courage, and continued compassionate care are very much valued by his colleagues.

Judith Middlemas, Medical Secretary

Judith has been the steady backbone of the Vascular Surgery Directorate for over 20 years, consistently going above and beyond to keep patient care running smoothly and support the whole team. She is the trusted ‘go‑to’ person for solving problems, coordinating urgent care, supporting colleagues, and ensuring patients feel informed and reassured. Her dedication, efficiency, compassion, and unwavering commitment make her an indispensable member of the team.

Yan Cunningham, Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Yan is described as a highly skilled and deeply respected Advanced Clinical Practitioner who consistently goes above and beyond for patients, colleagues, and the wider Trauma and Orthopaedics Team. Providing exceptional clinical care, leading service improvements, supporting research, and stepping in wherever needed. Her compassion, professionalism, and dedication over more than 20 years in the NHS make her an outstanding role model and a valued member of the Trust.

Chris Hartley, ENT Consultant

Chris has been an ENT consultant for more than 20 years, always putting patients first and working closely with the whole Head & Neck cancer team to improve care. His innovative work, especially in complex swallowing and voice problems, has transformed patients’ lives. He is known or his kindness, teamwork and willingness to share his expertise. Recently retired and returned, Chris leaves a legacy of excellence, compassion and true patient‑centred care.

Janine Beezer, Advanced Clinical Pharmacist

Janine has spent over 10 years transforming our heart failure service, improving access, quality of care and national recognition for the Trust. She has strengthened links between hospital and community care while ensuring patients receive the safest, most up‑to‑date, evidence‑based treatment. Janine’s national roles, exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment continue to drive improvements that benefit both patients and the Trust.

Sarah Ewart, Urology MDT Co-ordinator

Sarah is known as an exceptionally hardworking, caring, and selfless member of the Urology team. She constantly supports colleagues and takes on extra work without ever seeking recognition. She is widely respected for her expertise, reliability, and positive spirit, and is considered the person who holds the team together. Her colleagues describe her as outstanding, dedicated to patients, and truly deserving of this award.

Chris Settle, Consultant Microbiologist

Chris has dedicated more than 20 years to improving microbiology and infection prevention, becoming a leading expert whose work shapes national guidance and strengthens patient safety across the NHS. He is highly respected for his research, his leadership on national committees, and his calm, supportive approach to helping colleagues through complex IPC challenges. His commitment, integrity and expertise have had a lasting impact both inside the Trust and far beyond.

Florrie Mowatt, Vascular Nurse

Florrie has devoted nearly 50 years to the NHS, shaping vascular nursing and supporting thousands of patients with compassion, skill and professionalism. She has played a key role in developing nurse‑led services, mentoring generations of vascular nurses, and improving care through her advanced clinical practice and dedication. Her lifelong commitment, leadership led to her nomination for a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Julie Porter, Occupational Health Specialist Nurse

Julie is an inspirational nurse who has dedicated 50 years to the NHS. Starting as a 16‑year‑old cadet into an outstanding Occupational Health Nurse Manager. She has shaped services, mentored countless colleagues, led major improvements such as SEQOHS accreditation, and supported staff with compassion and professionalism, including during the pressures of COVID‑19. Her lifelong commitment, leadership and kindness have made a lasting difference across the Trust.