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Kind, Connected and Bold Award winners

May award winners

We are delighted to announce that across the Trust, 31 individuals and teams won a Kind, Connected and Bold award in May. 

Congratulations to all of our winners: 

Good Hope Hospital

Rebecca Vine, Registered Nursing Associate, Acute Medicine and Short Stay 

For Rebecca’s compassion and dedication. Rebecca has made a significant impact in Acute Medicine and Short Stay. She uplifts both colleagues and students with her positivity and work ethic.   

Rachel Collington, Staff Nurse, Emergency General Surgery 

For Rachel’s outstanding compassion and care towards every patient she encounters. Rachel consistently goes above and beyond to make sure her patients feel seen, heard and comforted. Her kind demeanour and reassuring presence calms her colleagues and patients during difficult moments.   

Benny Kumbalathan-Poulo, Housekeeping Operative, Facilities 

For Benny’s outstanding work and attention to detail. Benny consistently delivers a high-quality service, maintaining a clean and safe environment for everyone. They often go above and beyond their duties with a positive attitude, identifying and addressing issues before they become problems.   

Laura Hunt, Senior Sister, Emergency Medicine 

Nominated by a patient, who said: “Laura pulled me through the darkest moment of my life. She was right by my side and knowing that she was there meant a lot to me. I thought I was going to die but she kept her hand on me and kept talking to me and reassuring me.”   

Heartlands Hospital

Dr William Osborne, Consultant, Acute Medicine and Short Stay 

For Dr Osborne’s management of the acute medicine mortality and morbidity meeting. Dr Osborne has created a safe and welcome space for colleagues that is well attended and administered. He ensures that learning is shared in a meaningful way which has had a positive impact on the team.   

Hizra Usman, Nurse, Acute Medicine and Short Stay 

Nominated by a patient’s relative, who said: “Hizra was very professional, honest and open with us as a family. 

Her experience, knowledge and care for others shone through and I will never forget the care and support she showed to my dad and our family.”   

Sarah Mahon, Acting Ward Manager, Healthcare of Older People 

Nominated by colleagues, who said: “Sarah always comes to work with a smile and a positive attitude. She is very easy to approach and cares about patient and staff well-being. She has always remained grounded and professional.”   

Lisa Millin, Matron, Andrea White, Unit Manager and Joanne Harries, Unit Manager, Critical Care 

For the team working tirelessly to make sure that the service runs smoothly, even on difficult days. The team is dedicated, committed and face challenges with integrity and exceptional leadership skills. They create a supportive work environment for their colleagues. 

Ward 28, Infectious Diseases 

For the wonderful feedback the team has received from medical students, who said: “Ward 28 was very friendly and provided great opportunities for learning. They explained topics well and provided good resources.”   

Surgical Assessment Unit, General Surgery 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “I lost my husband two years ago, and I was at work when I received the message. My manager and colleagues jumped into action so quickly that I believe without them I wouldn’t have had five days to hold his hand in the Intensive Care Unit. They have shown nothing but compassion and care ever since. I would not have coped without my work family.”   

Sisa Ndlovu, Matron, Healthcare of Older People 

For Sisa’s exceptional level of commitment and leadership. Sisa consistently worked above and beyond to pull her team together and trained some colleagues to build themselves up in their careers. She values and maintains patient safety and her work has had a measurable impact on her team.    

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Dr Bill Tunnicliffe, Consultant, Critical Care 

For Dr Tunnicliffe’s approachable nature. Dr Tunnicliffe is kind and consistently goes out of his way to make everyone feel supported and valued. He creates an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion, and his bedside manner is exceptional.   
Laura Hazlett, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Haematology 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Laura has endless patience with her colleagues. She is always there to boost the team when needed and is adored by her patients. She has become a key contact for many of our patients.”   

Lisa Williams, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Diabetes and Endocrinology 

Nominated by a patient, who said: “Lisa has been my diabetes nurse of seven years now. The compassion she shows me at every appointment is incredible. I have never felt alone on my diabetes journey, as I know that Lisa is always there by my side.” 

Diane Griffiths, Senior Respiratory Research Nurse and The Respiratory Research Team  

Nominated by a patient, who said: “I have been in the care of the team for clinical trials. Every individual in the team is extremely professional and I am always treated with great kindness throughout my appointments. I am deeply grateful for their care, support and for going the extra mile for me and other patients in their care.”   

Mark Svolkinas, Principal Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Maxillofacial 

Nominated by a patient, who said: “Mark is the most caring person I have ever encountered in the NHS. His attention to detail is immaculate and he is prepared to give more of his time to make sure the finished prosthetic is correct, fitted properly and in the right colour.”  

Dr Peter Hewins, Hospital Medical Director (QEHB) and Consultant, Renal Medicine 

Nominated by a patient, who said: “Dr Hewins has taken care of me for many years now, he is an incredible consultant. He is always attentive, inclusive and knowledgeable. I know my quality of life has increased because of his wise choices, skills and knowledge.”    

Sophia Byfield, Quality Safety Support Nurse, Management Team 

For Sophia’s incredible hard work to support the matrons and associate directors of nursing with understanding the quality of care being delivered. Sophia takes time to speak with patients, making their hospital stay as comfortable as possible and working to resolve any issues that are raised.  

Solihull Hospital

Chukwuma Abraham-Igwe, Consultant, General Surgery 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Mr Abraham-Igwe consistently demonstrates a genuine passion for teaching and ensuring that we as junior team members, not only learn during ward rounds but also feel engaged and supported in our learning.”    

Urology Treatment Centre and Urology Surgical Team 

For both team’s outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence and patient care. Their skills, professionalism and compassionate approach sets a high standard and makes a lasting impact on both colleagues and patients.   

Community

Community Bladder and Bowel Services, Solihull Community Services 

For the team’s innovative approach to improve their service costs, storage solutions and to support patients. The team has worked collaboratively to improve patient and staff experience, which has further developed their service. They have shown commitment to improving their working practices and to supporting the wider division in improving costs whilst maintaining the best possible outcomes for patients.   

Lianne Lovell, Lead Dental Therapist, Dental Services, Solihull Community Services 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Lianne treats patients with complex additional needs and she also had a lead role in the strategic development and implementation of oral health promotion within the service. Lianne has a great work ethic.”   

Corporate

Vanessa Ford, Education Support Worker, Education, Good Hope Hospital 

For Vanessa’s unwavering support, guidance and kindness to colleagues, especially new starters. Vanessa’s dedication to staff development, training and personal well-being has created an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels valued.   

Caroline Harrison, Clinics Manager, Community Properties, Estates, Solihull Hospital and Community Services 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Caroline works hard to ensure the community properties run smoothly. Her knowledge of the properties, the teams that use them, and her team that look after the bookings is second to none.’’ 

Jonathan Daniels, Enterprise Architect, IT Services, Regent Court and Yardley Court 

For Jonathan’s support, guidance and collaborative nature. Jonathan helps colleagues navigate challenges with confidence, and he goes above and beyond to explain complex IT processes in an accessible way, ensuring inclusivity.  

Deborah Wallett, Housekeeping Assistant, Facilities, Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “I have never seen such a polite, caring and friendly person to both the staff and patients. Debbie truly embodies what it means to be compassionate, generous and thoughtful through small daily acts and going out of her way to support others.”   

Research and Development 

Leila Baghdadi, Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator, Oncology Research, Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

For Leila’s consistent support of colleagues, going above and beyond to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone. Leila is dedicated, kind, dependable, efficient, and professional.   

Women’s and Children’s 

Faiza Zohaib, Maternity Support Worker, Obstetrics, Heartlands Hospital 

For Faiza’s hard work and going above and beyond to make sure her colleagues and the patients she cares for are looked after. Faiza approaches her work with enthusiasm and always with a smile on her face and is kind, and considerate. 

Lolamay Edwards, Midwife, Obstetrics, Heartlands Hospital 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Lolamay has been recognised for her hard work and dedication in keeping pharmacy stock levels safe and her excellent maintenance of the clinical area. This dedication has kept patients' prescription medication available allowing for safe care and preventing delays.”   

Grace Price, Special Schools Nurse, Paediatrics, Solihull Hospital and Community Services 

For Grace’s excellent care and ensuring that children and young people with complex health needs and severe learning difficulties receive the best care that they deserve in special schools. Grace advocates for her patients and is always willing to help colleagues. She is adaptable and proactive in looking for ways to improve the team.   

Pick up a copy of July's UHB Connected to see pictures of the winners receiving their prizes. 

Last reviewed: 25 June 2025