October award winners
We are delighted to announce that across the Trust, 28 individuals and teams won a Kind, Connected and Bold award in October.
Congratulations to all of our winners:
Good Hope Hospital
Sarah Friel, Specialist Educator, Cardiology
For Sarah’s outstanding advocacy and compassionate leadership in a recent complex case involving a patient who was receiving active treatment while approaching end of life. She demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, and compassion, ensuring that both the patient and the team were supported throughout.
Ella Thornton, Complex Discharge Nurse Specialist, Discharge Hub
For Ella’s kindness, compassion and empathy. Ella takes time to understand patients’ individual needs and worries during what can be a stressful and uncertain time. Her calming presence and thoughtful care make a real difference to patients and their families.
Endoscopy Team
Nominated by a student nurse, who said: “The entire team always makes sure to go above and beyond for their patients, providing them patient-centred care at all times. They will do all they can to make the patients’ experience as good as possible.”
George Shaji Poozhippurathu, Housekeeping Operative, Facilities
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “George always goes the extra mile to ensure our ward is clean and tidy. Despite our ward being extremely busy most of the time, he still ensures cleanliness of the ward and is a pleasure to have around.”
Heartlands Hospital
Tina Cooper, Medical Secretary, Acute Medicine and Same Day Emergency Care
For Tina’s reliability and positive attitude. Tina goes above and beyond to help her colleagues, and nothing is too much trouble. She approaches all tasks with enthusiasm and a smile and follows through with unwavering dedication until the job is completed thoroughly and safely.
Jo Clark, Operations Manager, Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Allergy and HIV Services
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Jo goes above and beyond her job role. Whilst she is fabulous at her day job, she also takes on an incredible amount of extra work in terms of supporting people who work within the teams she manages from a personal and professional wellbeing point of view.”
Valerie O'Reilly, Ward Services Coordinator, Acute Medical Unit
For going above and beyond for staff and patients on the ward. Valerie ensures the needs of every patient are met and supports their relatives as well. She always works extra time to make sure jobs are completed and provides individualised care to patients.
Dr Jonathan Hazlehurst, Consultant Endocrinologist, Diabetes and Endocrinology
For exceptional kindness, dedication and bold leadership in patient care and team support. Dr Hazlehurst consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of treatment, while also making sure colleagues feel supported with clear guidance and understanding.
Welky Abraham, Senior Ward Sister, Renal Medicine
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Welky always demonstrates strong leadership and organisational skills, ensuring the ward runs smoothly and efficiently.” Another colleague said: "We are so lucky to have our wonderful manager Welky to lead us with kindness, support and inspiration.”
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Karen Roberts, Accommodation Manager, Facilities
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Karen has been integral in the incredible, compassionate, person-focused care provided in the Nuffield House relatives accommodation over many years. Her warm welcome to relatives, flexibility and commitment to supporting in an individualised way is a true demonstration of the UHB values.”
Dr John Westwood, Consultant Neuroanaesthetist, Anaesthetics
For compassion, empathy and humility. Dr Westwood maintains exceptional clinical standards and brings kindness and humanity to patient care. His calm and thoughtful communication builds trust and confidence, ensuring people know they are being cared for by someone who truly understand their needs.
Joanne Sheppard, Healthcare Assistant, Cardiac Surgery
For outstanding contribution to end of life care. Joanne goes above and beyond to ensure that patients and their families receive the most compassionate, dignified and supportive care. She created an innovative end of life trolley in her own time to support patients, relatives and carers with everything they may need during end-of-life care.
Aimee Beswick, Charge Nurse, Oncology
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “We had a patient who had a very poor prognosis and planned to marry her partner. Thankfullythe patient was able to have a day leave to marry her partner, and Aimee decorated the patient’s room with ‘just married’ signs, balloons, cakes and banners. She spent her day off buying the supplies and took the time to make the room look beautiful.”
Acute Medicine and Short Stay Flow Coordinators
For the team’s exceptional dedication, resilience and tireless hard work. The team plays a vital role in ensuring patient flow and relieving the pressures faced by the Emergency Department (ED). Their effective communication and close collaboration with ED show their commitment to ensuring patients experience a smoother, safer and more coordinated journey.
Mary Ann Sumulong, Heart and Lung Transplant Recipient Coordinator, Cardiac Surgery
Nominated by a patient, who said: “I have known Mary Ann since I had my heart transplant six years ago. Each time I have been for many check-ups over the six years she seems to be on duty. She is committed to being thoughtful, caring, and listening intently to what you have to say about your health issues. She is now a member of our support group for transplant patients and offers comfort and help.”
Sarah Mace, Senior Physiotherapist, Therapy Services
Nominated by a patient, who said: “She has been very kind, and has spent a lot of time to explain my problem to me to make it understandable, offering me the exercise I need. She is a good person with a caring heart.”
Solihull Hospital
Julie Nicholas, Operations Manager, Medicine, Urgent Care and Outpatients
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “The medical team truly appreciates Julie for the exceptional hard work and effort she does for the entire team. Her commitment in consistently solving problems is amazing and she always goes above and beyond. Her support positivity, happy and approachable disposition really is immeasurable to us all.”
The Ophthalmology Theatre Team
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “The Ophthalmology Theatre had a situation where the microscope broke and no procedure requiring the microscope could be carried out in our theatre. Ann Marie Roache, Glenn Jones, Roshani Gamage, Shiquita Rawicz, and Carolyn Locke all without complaint moved from their theatre based at Solihull Hospital to carry out ophthalmology lists at Good Hope Hospital on two occasions. This was to prevent cancellations for patients who required cataract removal, glaucoma surgery and corneal surgery.”
Linda Northall, Specialist Pharmacy Technician – Stores, Distribution and Pre-Packing Services and Sarah Williams, Specialist Clinical Pharmacy Technician for Elective Surgery, Pharmacy
For demonstrating exceptional dedication to patient care and staff wellbeing. Linda has shown outstanding compassion and support during a colleague’s return to work, allowing a smooth transition back to work after months of illness. Sarah consistently ensures a safe and efficient patient journey by handling queries and obtaining necessary medications.
Community
Carly Koncuk, Shirley Community Nurse, Solihull Hospital and Community Services
Nominated by a student nurse, who said: “My experience working with Carly has been brilliant. Carly is compassionate, loving, understanding and supportive when caring for patients during the end-of-life stages and beyond. The way she approaches difficult conversations with sensitivity and a calm manner is inspiring. She made me feel part of her team with her motivation, encouragementand commitment at each step of my learning journey.
Corporate
Shimayla Akhtar, Clinic Management Team Manager, ABC – Appointments, Heartlands Hospital
For exceptional listening skills and empathy. Shimayla seeks out diverse perspectives and approaches change with optimism. She recognises and celebrates the achievements of those around her, making everyone feel truly valued and appreciated.
Ben Harpwood, Information Governance Manager, Corporate Affairs, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “We recently had a contract renewal which we needed support from information governance to complete. There was time pressure to get this through, and Ben assisted us and guided us through the process. He was helpful and listened to us, doing all he could to get the contract resolved.”
Professional Development and Education Team (PDET) Associate Educators, Education, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
For the team’s genuine kindness towards new starters and all colleagues. The team creates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Their empathy and compassion help to maintain a positive and inclusive culture.
Mahape Sarah Zwane, Clinical Site Manager, Site Team, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Sarah has consistently shown professionalism and genuine kindness in the workplace. What truly stands out is Sarah’s ability to stay calm under pressure, find creative solutions and keep the team motivated. She brings a level of dedication and excellence to everything she does, and it inspires those around her to aim higher."
Aneela Razaq, Medical Workforce Rota Manager, Workforce – Medical Resourcing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
For strong communication and interpersonal skills. Aneela’s tireless efforts to ensure seamless staffing across multiple departments and attention to detail has not only improved rota coverage but also enhanced team morale and workforce satisfaction.
Research and Development
Research and Development Video Team, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Seven members of the Research and Development Team volunteered to help make a video for the department. They came together from across all UHB sites to produce an inspiring and heart-warming video showcasing why we love working in research. They brainstormed ideas, wrote the script, coordinated the filming, interviewed our staff, and were a true joy to work with.”
Women’s and Children’s
Kay Holmes, Healthcare Assistant, Obstetrics
Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Kay is a kind and caring support worker and always shows compassion to the patients on Maple Ward. A tragic incident happened on the ward recently and whilst most staff were busy dealing with the emergency of a baby who needed resuscitation, Kay immediately went to the mother and spent hours comforting her.”
Paediatric Admin and Secretarial Team, Paediatrics
For the team’s hard work and taking on additional work to maintain a smooth running of the service. The team has helped improve the waiting times for new patients and supported in standardising new processes.
Pick up a copy of December's UHB Connected to see pictures of the winners receiving their prizes.
Last reviewed: 27 November 2025