Kind, Connected and Bold Award winners

Good Hope Hospital

Catherine Drew, Sister, Acute Medicine  

For Catherine’s excellent work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude. Catherine consistently shows kindness to patients and colleagues, and never hesitates to lend a hand to anyone who needs assistance or guidance. She offers a smile to everyone and goes above and beyond, every day.

Day Case Unit, Theatres

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “I would like to nominate the whole of the Day Case Unit Team as I believe they give excellent care and always treat people with kindness. I am one of the ward sisters and have been on the unit since October 2023, and I have learned so much. Their care and compassion towards patients and families is second to none.” 

Jane Crowter, Healthcare Assistant, Ward 17, Surgical Assessment Unit 

For Jane’s hard-working nature. Jane is a dedicated team member who always puts other’s needs before her own. She is kind, caring and extremely passionate about her job. Nominated by a colleague, who said: “I am privileged to work alongside Jane, she is an asset to us all.” 

Alison Pilcher, Catering Operative

For Alison’s outstanding contributions to the Catering Team. Alison goes out of her way to make sure all the patients are allocated the correct dinners and is brilliant with the patients and their families. She ensures everything runs smoothly and efficiently, and the moral is always good when Alison is around.

Heartlands Hospital

Flu Crew (Tracey Barton, Helen Halliday, Harriet Hedigan, Stephanie Hill, Jade Hykin, Neil Mallett, Lisa Millin, Sam Morris, Leanne Poole, Jo Straw), Respiratory Medicine 

For the team’s great teamwork and commitment. The Heartlands Hospital Flu Crew was created in November 2023, to help champion and promote the importance of the flu vaccine and campaign this year. They all worked weekends and twilight shifts in their own time, and targeted hard-to-reach colleagues to encourage uptake of the vaccine. Their efforts were remarkable.   

Louise Taylor, General Manager, Gastroenterology 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “In a manager you look for someone who is there to support you and guide you in your role; this is Louise. She is selfless, supportive and goes above and beyond for the gastroenterology service. She understands the role of her staff, works alongside them, and rolls up her sleeves and joins us on the ground floor. Thank you, Louise, for always supporting me.” 

Emily Cadman, Staff Nurse, Critical Care and Outreach 

For the massive difference Emily made to a patient and their family, during the patient’s end-of-life care. Emily made sure that she was there for anything that they may need, and that the patient was comfortable throughout. Emily asked the patient what she would like, and the patient asked for an ice cream, which Emily arranged. Emily also asked her if she wanted any music playing, so they played 60’s music. The care and compassion Emily gave to the patient and her family was described and recognised by the family as amazing.

Anne Watson, Sister, Ward 24, Respiratory Medicine

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Anne consistently demonstrates kindness towards the patients, ensuring they leave our ward happy and healthy. Her dedication to their wellbeing is truly inspiring. Not only does Anne excel in patient care, but she also goes the extra mile to support her staff. She creates a positive and nurturing work environment, making us feel valued and motivated. Her impact on our team and the lives she touches is immeasurable."

Quadri Olalake, Housekeeper

Nominated following an email that was received from the Emergency Department at Heartlands Hospital, which said: "I just wanted to let you know about Quadri's work today in the Emergency Department. I have had numerous compliments from patients stating how clean the area, especially the toilets. He has done a fab job." 

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Stacey Fream, Ward Manager, Harborne Ward, Healthcare of Older People 

For working incredibly hard over the last 12 months to embrace and support projects to prevent deconditioning, and for promoting Eat, Drink, Dress, Move (EDDM) principles. Stacey’s hard work has resulted in improvements to patient experience, staff wellbeing and job satisfaction, as well as culture on the ward. Stacey is never afraid to be bold in trying new ideas and she shows kindness to her team and patients in everything that she does.

Victoria Baiden, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neurology 

For showing exceptional patience, compassion, kindness and empathy to a patient. The patient was a young man with a very challenging psychosocial situation, that was impacting on his epilepsy. Victoria took the time to meet with him and his family and listened to them, and because of this, an excellent outcome was achieved for the patient. The compassion and empathy she showed was crucial and exactly what was required in this case. 

Andrew Griffiths, Heart Failure Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cardiology

For the exceptional care and service provided by Andrew. Nominated by a patient’s son, who said: “My mother and I visited the hospital for an echocardiogram, during which a new diagnosis was discovered. In response to this concerning news, Andrew was called upon to assist. I cannot commend Andrew enough for his attentiveness, skill, and extensive knowledge of both the new diagnosis and my mother's medical history. It was evident that he had thoroughly reviewed her medical records, allowing him to provide personalised and compassionate care. In a time of uncertainty and worry, Andrew's professionalism and sensitivity in discussing the diagnosis, and outlining a clear pathway forward, were truly invaluable.”

Outpatients Department Area 3 Team, Cardiology

For the team’s innovative and collaborative efforts in supporting the introduction of Inclisiran injections within the Cardiology Clinic. The team’s dedication and hard work has significantly enhanced patient care, streamlined processes, and marked a historic achievement as the first-ever outpatient team to champion this initiative across the West Midlands. The collaborative efforts of the consultant/registrar, pharmacist, and nurses/healthcare assistants within the team were instrumental in the success of this initiative. 

Histopathology Department, including Prof. Desley Neil 

For the amazing work that the department carry out. The Histopathology Department frequently offer their time and expertise on a voluntary basis, out-of-hours, to provide their opinion on suspicious lesions/masses found during an organ retrieval operation. They have very short notice and turn around results rapidly, which makes a difference when assessing if organs are suitable and safe for transplantation. Their work is not only a huge benefit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, but transplantation across the region and country. 

Critical Care Area D 

Nominated by a patient’s mother, who said: “As an ex-nurse and clinical trainer, it was profoundly heartwarming to see the science and art of nursing so brilliantly aligned and illustrated by your nursing team. Each nurse attending to my son and other patients demonstrated that care and compassion would not be compromised. There was a clear sense that there was effective communication between staff members, and that the senior nursing team operated the team in a very organised and professional manner. My deepest and most sincere thanks for a most helpful and professional service.” 

Solihull Hospital

Ward 20A, Trauma and Orthopaedic Elderly

Nominated by the ward manager, who said: "Over the last 12 months my team has provided safe and high-quality care at all times, and we have received some really lovely feedback from patients around the care they have received. From a manager point of view, all my team go above and beyond their duties to make the patient's journey as comfortable as possible, and it is a pleasure working with them.” 

Yvonne Hayes, Ward service Coordinator, General Surgery

For the kindness Yvonne shows to both colleagues and patients. Yvonne is very passionate about her ward and team, and always keeps everything running smoothly. She is always the first person that colleagues generally go to, and will always try to help out as best she can.  

Community

Homeward Team

For coming together and showing each other incredible kindness during the last few challenging months. The team have supported, encouraged, and provided comfort to each other. Despite daily challenges, the patients that they care for receive the highest standard of care. This is driven by the team lead Mo, who is a whirlwind of energy. She is a leader who inspires, and this is evident when you visit the ward."

Pooja Pitrola, Dental Practitioner, Dental Services

For the support that Pooja has provided to the team, during difficult circumstances. Pooja has willingly taken on extra duties and is working within different areas in the service (all additional to her ongoing clinical commitments), due to staffing issues. This has been of great support to management and has improved care for our patients. Pooja has proved to be a great team member and has a positive approach to change. By taking on extra duties, Pooja has developed and flourished as an individual and is a real asset to the team. 

Corporate

Simon Birley, Deputy Head of Temporary Staffing, Workforce, Heartlands Hospital 

For being a driving force in the development and implementation of new processes and rates of pay for medical and non-medical bank and agency workers across the Trust. This has enhanced equity of pay for colleagues and will contribute significantly to the Trust’s financial recovery plan. Simon has been bold in his ambition, has connected colleagues from multi-professional backgrounds to contribute to the work, and has been kind and considerate in driving it forward.  

Lisa Flavin, Trust Security Adviser, Corporate Affairs, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham 

For providing amazing support throughout a serious incident that involved two colleague’s safety. Lisa understood the severity of the incident and provided her colleagues with both emotional and physical support, ensuring they both arrived at work safely and could leave safely, with security escorts. Lisa is an asset to the Trust and demonstrated genuine concern and care towards her colleagues in this situation. 

Hayley Hope, Associate Educator, Corporate Nursing, Heartlands Hospital 

For being an amazing associate educator. Nominated by colleagues, who said: “Hayley is hard working, dedicated and an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to work with her. She goes above and beyond to support her trainee nursing associates in the clinical area, as well as ward managers and colleagues. She has made a massive impact on the team, and we would all be lost without her.” 

Research and Development

Kelly-Anne Goodwin, Senior Sister, and Debbie Wilks, Nurse, Centre for Rare Diseases, Queen Elizaeth Hospital Birmingham 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “A member of staff from my team was suddenly taken unwell whilst we were seeing a patient, and Debbie and Kelly-Anne were on hand instantly and looked after the staff member brilliantly. After initial assessment, they moved her to another room so I could continue the clinic without too much delay and so they could monitor her for the rest of the morning. They also came to my room frequently to check I was ok after the incident. Their bedside manner was absolutely incredible, and they couldn’t do enough to help both me and my colleague. They really are angels in uniform.” 

Women’s and Children’s

Iman Sharif, Practice Placement Midwife, Obstetrics, Heartlands Hospital 

Nominated by five different students, who all praised Iman for the amazing support they received. One student said, “Iman has made me feel so very comfortable with being able to ask anything I want. If she doesn't know the answer, she will point me in the right direction. Very kind, helpful and approachable.” Another said: “Iman has been a great support to me and my fellow students. She never fails to show us that she always here for us. She is continuously checking up on to see how we are and if we have any concerns or issues we need to put forward.” 

Karen Evans, Senior Medical Secretary, Paediatrics, Heartlands Hospital  

For going above and beyond to help a patient’s mother, who said: “I was put in touch with Karen when I was desperately reaching out for answers regarding my daughter's health and medical referrals. Karen said she would make sure she got me to the right people, and she definitely delivered her promise. She has called me back on several occasions with information to keep me updated on what was happening. She patiently listened to everything I had to say, and I am so grateful for the attention she has given us.”