Kind, Connected and Bold Award winners

Good Hope Hospital

Ward 18, Acute Medicine and Short Stay 

Nominated by a patient’s relative, who said: “My son has been on this ward since 13 January. Being around people a lot older than him set off his anxiety, but the team made him feel at home and reassured him. Absolutely everyone has taken care of him and made him feel like part of the family. My son’s stay is still ongoing because he has a really rare disease. I cannot thank everyone enough for the love and care he has received. This is a lovely ward, with truly amazing, hardworking staff! I will be forever grateful for the care he has and is still receiving.”  

Louise Carter, Flow Coordinator, Acute Medicine and Short Stay 

Nominated by a patient’s relative, who said: “I would like to nominate Louise for an award following my husband's stay on the unit late last year. It was a very emotional and distressing time for me and our family and the kindness that Louise showed me was fantastic. Louise always made the time to check how I was, made sure I had drinks and was always warm and welcoming during my visits.”  

Sally Earp, Sister, Day Surgery and Admissions Lounge 

For Sally’s hard work and being an amazing role model. Sally is proactive is her duties and her communication skills are excellent. She always strives to deliver the best care to patients and goes above and beyond on a daily basis.

Richard Risvegli, Porter, Facilities

Nominated by a patient’s relative, who said: “Richard identified that my sister and I were struggling along the corridor with our very sick father. Richard assisted him into one of the wheelchairs that he was transporting, he then asked a colleague to continue with taking the rest of the wheelchairs back to the treatment centre so he could wheel our dad to the X-ray department for us. Whilst we were waiting for our father’s appointment, we noticed that Richard had returned once more with another outpatient. Richard showed with his kindness how he puts patients first and was bold by using his initiative to do that even though he was in the process of doing another job.”

Orthotics Department, Therapy Services

Nominated by a patient, who said: “The department were very kind to see me straight away which happened to be during their lunch time. The orthotist, Rebecca was lovely, accommodating, and very courteous and kind to my needs. I was seen previously but was having problems. The department sorted me out for a replacement of my insoles. I really appreciate the kind service.” 

Heartlands Hospital

Ward 2 (Winter Capacity), Acute Medicine and Short Stay 

For the team’s exemplary leadership and ability to resolve, organise and deliver additional patient care efficiently in a very challenging period for the hospital. The team worked collaboratively, demonstrating professional standards at all times and representing UHB’s vision and values in their daily work. 

Tanya Kershaw, Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Emergency Medicine

For Tanya’s advocacy for women’s wellbeing and demonstrating a passion for improving the care of patients who have experienced domestic violence. Tanya has led the way in raising awareness of our patients who are experiencing menopause, and changed the hearts, minds and approach of colleagues, encouraging them to listen to concerns.

Nisrin Kayed, Ward Clerk Team Leader, Patient Administration 

For Nisrin’s phenomenal support for Ward 30. Nisrin stepped in to cover the ward clerk role, while balancing her management duties and has worked tirelessly to ensure smooth running of operations, managing staff schedules, covering different areas, and providing daily reassurance about cover arrangements. She gave up her own time to assist with decluttering and improving systems for the ward. 

Dr Sonali Wijetilleka, Consultant, Immunology and Allergy 

For Dr Wijetilleka’s dedication and consistently going above and beyond for her patients and colleagues. Dr Wijetilleka tirelessly helped ensure urgent laboratory results were clinically actioned out-of-hours, preventing permanent kidney damage for two patients. Her remarkable contributions, compassion and unwavering support are inspiring. 

Heather Kedwards, Band 5 Registered Nurse, Respiratory Medicine 

Nominated by a student, who said: “Heather is a valuable member of Ward 24. When starting my placement in January, I was feeling emotional. However, Heather helped me to overcome my lack of self-confidence and made me feel part of the team.” Another student said: “Heather has taught me a lot of skills during my placement and extended my knowledge about nursing.”

James Halligan, Housekeeping Operative, Facilities 

For James’ exceptional and efficient hard work. James is highly valued on the Intensive Therapy Unit for his dedication, politeness, and willingness to go above and beyond, including taking on extra jobs and supporting others. His tireless efforts, from start to finish each day ensure the ward runs smoothly and remains clean. 

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Michelle Duggins, Capacity Manager, Acute Medicine and Short Stay 

For Michelle’s determination and going above and beyond to improve patient experience. Michelle does everything she can to make sure patients are able to have their procedures quickly. Her organisation skills, teamwork, communication skills, honesty and perseverance on delivering high standard care inspires her colleagues. 

Esther Hewitt, Student Nurse, Ear Nose and Throat, Maxillofacial 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Yesterday I witnessed the most wonderful exchange between a student nurse and a patient. The patient was exceptionally distressed, and I had been with the patient for a while. On a number of occasions, I saw a student nurse come along to help, and her manner towards the patient was phenomenal. Esther remained calm and in control throughout the exchange with the patient, which was so wonderful to see.” 

Housekeeping Rapid Response Team  

For the team’s hard work and dedication in their demanding role of cleaning infected bed spaces. The team handles their tasks efficiently without complaint despite the increase in infected spaces. They work tirelessly throughout their shifts and go above and beyond every day. 

Ward 518, Infectious Diseases 

Nominated by a patient’s relative, who said: “My father spent two weeks on Ward 518 and during this time the fantastic staff showed real professionalism and excellence in care. It was an extremely difficult time for the family and the staff’s commitment to his dignity and care was unparalleled.”  

Sabita Maharaj, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Liver Medicine 

Nominated by a patient, who said: “My journey has been long and hasn’t been straightforward with many lows, highs and battles to get to where I am today. One of the key components that has helped and supported me through my journey is Sabita, who has been incredible throughout. She has always been professional, factual, informative and an all-round huge support. She shows compassion, empathy, guidance and always strives to go the extra mile, making a very difficult journey more tolerable.” 

Cherie Fullelove, Staff Nurse, Oncology and Palliative Care

Nominated by a patient’s relatives, who said: “We stayed with our uncle/brother for five days straight while he was receiving end-of-life care. All the nurses were kind and helpful and you could tell that they actually cared about him, but Cherie outshone them all. She was like a ray of sunshine in the darkest of days. She did everything in her power to ensure that he was comfortable and pain free. We were also cared for and nothing was too much. The empathy and warmth that she showed us all on such a harrowing day, we will forever be grateful for.”  

Frederick Ayeh, Healthcare Assistant, Oncology and Palliative Care 

Nominated by a patient’s relatives, who said: “Fred has been looking after my mom during her time on Ward 623. He has shown so much care, attention and dedication to her. She has since been transferred to Ward 625 and he comes to visit her before his shift each day to check on her. Tonight, she was very distressed and Fred came in to sit with her on his day off and keep her calm.” Another relative said: “He is outstanding and goes the extra mile to look after patients in a special and caring way. He doesn't just do this for my wife, he does it for every patient in his care.”

Eva Basaalwa, Sister, Respiratory Medicine

Nominated by a patient’s relative, who said: “Eva nursed our dad through four weeks of critical care with sepsis and pneumonia. The care and kindness she showed to him was outstanding and we will never forget her. There were two notable occasions where his blood pressure dropped and we thought we would lose him, but Eva’s calm and quick response saved him.”

Aroosa Malik, Physiotherapist and The Physiotherapy Team, Therapy Services

Nominated by a patient, who said: “This team has been looking after me since my mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2024. They have remained highly professional and are an absolutely wonderful and caring team to be under. They have helped me with my physiotherapy and improved my movements. I cannot thank this team enough, they are led by Aroosa and Connor Fitzpatrick who have just been phenomenal on my road to recovery.”

Solihull Hospital

Ann-Louise Marks, Sister and Sharron Walden, Clinic Coordinator, Anaesthetics and Pre-Operative Assessment  

For Ann-Louise and Sharron’s exceptional dedication. Ann-Louise consistently supports healthcare assistants, advocates for others, and expertly handles challenging patient interactions in a calm manner. Sharron demonstrated extraordinary effort by securing transport for an elderly patient, overcoming obstacles to make sure he could come and get the treatment he required. 

Ophthalmology Technical Team

For the team’s efforts and hard work to cover all UHB hospital sites during significant understaffing and sickness. The team has adapted to changing workloads and new patient initiatives, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Their teamwork and clear communication has ensured that patients receive exceptional care.  

Community

Jade Neeld, Staff Nurse, District Nursing, Solihull Community Services

For Jade’s exceptional dedication and demonstrating exemplary care for a patient referred into the Support to Care Home service. Jade efficiently conducted a thorough assessment, initiated prompt treatment, reduced district nurse visits and improved the patient’s quality of life with a detailed and effective care plan.

Dr Penny Goold, Consultant Physician, Genitourinary Medicine, Umbrella Sexual Health

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Throughout our time working together, I have consistently been impressed by her exceptional blend of kindness, ability to connect with others, and boldness in approaching challenges. Penny is a natural communicator, building meaningful relationships with colleagues, team members and patients. She has a remarkable ability to listen and empathise, creating an environment of trust and collaboration. This quality has made her an invaluable team leader and someone others naturally turn to for support and guidance.”

Corporate

Nursing Associates, Administrative Team, Heartlands Hospital

For the team’s consistent demonstration of dedication, adaptability and professionalism which makes a significant impact to our student nursing associates and the Trust. The team’s unwavering support during daily tasks, and initiatives like the qualified nursing associate recruitment drive is unmatched. They create a positive, collaborative work environment with their kindness and can-do attitude. 

Pav Congrave, Staff Nurse, Healthcare of Older People, Heartlands Hospital

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Pav is very talented and has a beautiful singing voice. On the day of our Christmas event, he came to work on his day off to sing to all of our patients with his band. On Valentine’s Day, he brought his guitar into work and went from bay to bay, and into every side room to sing songs with all of our patients. This means the world to our elderly patients and their families.”

Sallyanne Jones, Rota Manager, Medical Workforce, Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

For Sallyanne’s hard work and consistently going above and beyond in her role. Sallyanne is approachable and effectively manages the challenging general surgery rotas despite staffing challenges and leave requests. Her support during difficult times, such as assisting with last-minute bereavement leave reflects her kindness and dedication. 

Research and Development 

Respiratory Research Team, Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

Nominated by a patient, who said: “Fiona Dulai and the Respiratory Research Centre Team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital have provided exceptional care and support throughout my fibrosis journey. Their kindness has made me feel valued and respected, not just as a patient but as a person. The team’s dedication to meaningful research and patient well-being has empowered me, giving me purpose and hope during this challenging time.” 

Louise Bowlas, Senior Research Nurse, Research and Development, Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “When a patient who has been on an interventional gastrointestinal study for the last couple of years attended their end of study visit, they wrote a thank you card addressed specifically to Louise which included some of the following lines: "You have made this journey so much more enjoyable than it probably might have been, and you have been a shining constant in my life for that time. You have been diligent, supportive and a credit to the NHS, so thank you so much, I am truly grateful.”

Women’s and Children’s 

Piper Wilkins, Matron, Paediatrics, Heartlands Hospital 

For Piper’s outstanding care, leadership and compassion. Piper skilfully balances clinical excellence with emotional support, ensuring children and their families feel safe and respected. Her proactive approach fosters teamwork, high standards and a positive environment.