Kind, Connected and Bold Award winners

Good Hope Hospital

Alice Carpenter, Senior Sister, Acute Medicine

Recognised for her leadership of the winter flex ward at Good Hope Hospital. She created a safe, supportive environment for patients and staff, helped new colleagues build confidence and move into permanent roles, and played a key role in improving patient flow across the site.

Mohammad Baqir Mirza, Registrar, Acute Medicine

Praised for combining excellent clinical judgement with exceptional compassion. In one deeply moving act of kindness, he went above and beyond to preserve the dignity and comfort of an end-of-life patient, arranging for the patient’s preferred music to be played at the bedside during their final moments.

Kevin Adams, Porter, Facilities

Recognised for the hard work, positivity and professionalism he brings to every shift. Whether supporting patients in the Emergency Department or across the hospital, he is known for his kind, compassionate manner, willingness to help and commitment to prioritising patient care. 

Heartlands Hospital

Chantelle Sterling, Nurse, Ward 1, Acute Medicine

Received two nominations in recognition of her compassionate, patient-centred care, ensuring individuals feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their treatment. Chantelle is valued for her strong clinical practice, supportive approach to colleagues and students, and her ability to maintain high standards while helping create a positive team environment.

Rachel Fell and Anne Rose, Same Day Emergency Care senior sisters, Acute Medicine

Nominated by their team for exceptional leadership. Their hands-on, compassionate approach, visibility and commitment to listening to staff have helped build a strong, confident team culture and a service where morale and patient-centred care continue to thrive.

Surgical Assessment Unit, Emergency General Surgery

Recognised for turning their learnings during specialist training on the bacterial infection, necrotising fasciitis, into meaningful improvements in practice. Their commitment to learning has strengthened patient safety and helped deliver high-quality care for a rare and life-threatening condition.

Claire Cotton, Porter, Facilities

Nominated for the calm, kind and professional way she supports the busy help desk. Whether prioritising emergencies or coordinating colleagues, she is a pleasure to work alongside.

HIV consultants, Infectious Diseases

Recognised for the compassionate, respectful and patient-centred care they provide every day. Colleagues praised their approachable manner, commitment to going above and beyond for patients, and the kindness and support they show to both patients and staff alike.

Leanne Poole and Frances Shorthouse, ward managers, Ward 28, Infectious Diseases

Praised for their inspiring leadership of Ward 28. Together they have created a supportive and positive environment where staff feel valued, patients receive high standards of care, and colleagues know they can always rely on their guidance and compassion. Their nominator said: “Their shining and inspiring leadership is what keeps so many of us on Ward 28 after so many years and working with them makes me feel safe and capable of making a difference to our patients”.

Zoe Cumiskey-Kemery, Student Nursing Associate, Ward 26, Respiratory Medicine

Nominated by a patient for the immense kindness she showed to them and their family during an especially difficult time. Her compassionate care made a lasting difference.

Lynsey Laucius, Team Leader, Vascular Surgery, Theatres

Recognised for her motivation to lead, improve and support others in theatres. She is known for finding solutions, strengthening communication between teams and going beyond her role.

Michael Gilmartin, Theatre Practitioner, Emergency Surgery, Theatres

Nominated by a student nurse who experienced Michael’s dedication, compassion and kindness first-hand. As a role model for students and an advocate for patient dignity, he creates a positive learning environment and embodies the values of being Kind, Connected and Bold in every interaction.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

Heather Bowen, Team Leader, HIV, Outpatient Department

Received five nominations celebrating her exceptional leadership, compassion and non-judgemental supportive approach to supporting her team. In addition, she is recognised for going above and beyond to ensure patients feel heard, supported and comfortable, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Hands, Burns, Plastics and Fracture Clinic, Area 4, Outpatient Department

Received two nominations recognising the warm, inclusive and highly supportive culture they have created. Colleagues praised the team for welcoming colleagues from overseas and those returning to practice, helping them to rebuild confidence, develop professionally and feel genuinely valued as part of the close-knit team.

Declan Kilpatrick, Physiotherapist, Burns

Recognised as a cherished part of the Burns Physiotherapy Team. His easy-going nature lifts the spirits of patients and colleagues alike, making him a valued and much-loved member of the team.

Trudi Smith, Senior Sister, Bournville Ward

Nominated for the exceptional support provided to a member of her team in accessing the necessary support for them to thrive in their role.

John Wright, Ward Manager, Ward 727, Cardiology

Described as the ‘heartbeat of the ward’. Whether supporting patients directly or supporting colleagues through difficult days, John helps to make the ward a positive place for both staff and patients.

Sarah Banks, Lead Liver Recipient Transplant Co-ordinator, Liver Transplant

Recognised for her compassionate and patient leadership, supporting colleagues through change, recovery and day-to-day challenges. Her open, inclusive approach has helped strengthen teamwork, improve ways of working and ensure staff feel listened to, valued and equipped to deliver the best care for patients.

Renal Transplant Team, Renal Surgery

Received three nominations for a record-breaking year, achieving the highest number of renal transplants ever completed at the hospital in a single year. Colleagues praised the team’s resilience, innovation and collaboration across multiple specialties, as well as their unwavering focus on ensuring more patients could receive life-changing treatment.

Solihull Hospital

Sarah Edge, Theatre Sister, Theatres

Recognised for stepping in with kindness and professionalism following a colleague’s workplace accident. Her compassionate support and immediate action ensured both her colleague’s wellbeing and the continuation of patient care.

Kerrie Denham, Nurse, Ward 14

Nominated for her resilience and creativity in transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Through reflective practice and inclusive team initiatives, she has improved morale and strengthened teamwork, fostering a supportive environment that enhances both staff wellbeing and patient care.

Community services

Emma Lines, Clinical Practitioner, Urgent Community Response and Virtual Wards

Recognised for her exceptional leadership, compassion and resilience. Her infectious positivity and dedication inspire colleagues and ensure patients receive outstanding care at home when they need it most. Her innovative approach has also contributed significantly to UHB’s national achievements.

Clare Hanham, Clinical Lead, Support to Care Homes, Friars Gate

Congratulated for her presentation at the Solihull Nurses’ Day Conference, in which she showcased courage, authenticity, and deep compassion, encouraging reflection and learning across the workforce. Her commitment to improving care standards continues to make a lasting impact.

Group Clinical Support Services

Simranjeet Sohal, Technical Support Officer, Pathology IT, Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

Received two nominations for their outstanding contribution to Pathology IT and the wider laboratory service. He played a vital role in a major systems transition, working tirelessly to improve efficiency, resolve issues and support colleagues, helping ensure a complex change was delivered smoothly and successfully.

Sofia Parveen, Senior Clinical Dosimetrist, Radiotherapy, Medical Physics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

Received three nominations recognising her leadership in advancing radiotherapy innovation. She organised a successful international conference that put Birmingham on the global stage and helped introduce improvements in practice that are making treatment more comfortable for patients, while improving efficiency and collaboration.

CT Team, Imaging, Solihull Hospital and Community Services

Received two nominations for their professionalism and determination during a challenging patient safety incident. While minimising the impact on other patients, the team acted quickly, communicated effectively and went above and beyond to ensure a vulnerable patient was supported and cared for.

Corporate

Karl Stevens, Associate Director of Communications, and the Patient Safety Team

Received two nominations for planning and delivering the Listen Learn Share Summit, which brought together 200 colleagues and expert speakers from across the UK. Despite having to rearrange the conference due to factors beyond their control, the event was a great success thanks to the meticulous planning and preparation of all involved.

Pam Crocker, Decontamination Unit Manager, Jimmy Lawal, Senior Decontamination Lead, and the Endoscopy Decontamination Unit

Recognised for creating a warm and inclusive workplace, going above and beyond to make new colleagues feel welcome, valued, and supported. The team is always supportive, friendly and willing to offer guidance and answer questions, creating a strong sense of belonging.

David Davies, Microsoft 365 Product Owner, Digital Services

Nominated by a colleague for always being patient and generous with his time, supporting colleagues with genuine care and respect, and making everyone feel comfortable asking for help. With his humour and clear, jargon-free explanations, he empowers others to learn and collaborate effectively.

Research and Innovation

Deborah Milligan, Deputy Programme Manager, Research and Innovation, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

Recognised for making a major impact in research and innovation since joining the team. From leading a new process to delivering a regional conference, she has shown bold thinking, strong collaboration and consistent kindness in supporting colleagues and partners.

Women’s and Children’s

Clinic clerks, Gynaecology Assessment Unit, Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals

Nominated for the compassion, resilience and empathy they show in a uniquely demanding role. As the first point of contact for patients, they provide reassurance during distressing situations, while keeping busy services running smoothly and safely.

Muhammad Arslan Tariq, Locally Employed Doctor, Paediatrics, Heartlands Hospital

Muhammad has quickly become a valued member of the Paediatric Team at Heartlands Hospital thanks to his cheerful attitude, kindness and willingness to go above and beyond. His nominator said: ‘He is a pleasure to work with, and every day that Arslan is working, I know that there will be a cheerful, positive and kind atmosphere within the team’.

Sanya Ahmed, Clinical Support Worker, Paediatric Assessment Unit, Heartlands Hospital

Recognised for her impressive eagerness to learn, development and dedication since joining the team. She lives the UHB values through her curiosity and drive, infectious positivity and genuine care for her colleagues and patients.