Consultant leading research on bowel cancer diagnosis wins Chief Executive Award 2024

01 October 2024

A consultant, who has devoted his career to improving outcomes for bowel cancer patients, was named as the recipient of the Chief Executive award at the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s ‘Celebration of Achievement’.

For 2024 the Chief Executive Award recipient was named as Professor James Turvill, a consultant gastroenterologist, who received a standing ovation upon receiving his award.  Professor Turvill was awarded for his groundbreaking research work on the ColoCap, a device which could change the face of bowel cancer diagnosis. 

Professor Turvill is leading the research work in partnership with leading academics in Scotland and Wales, which is the largest evaluation of its kind in the NHS.  The ColoCap is a capsule, taken orally by patients, containing a tiny camera which takes images of the bowel and allows consultants to diagnose remotely.

Speaking after receiving his award, James explained: “I am most grateful to Simon Morritt, our Chief Executive, for his support and encouragement in this research project. I believe ColoCap is positive for our community and the Trust as it develops its strategy for research and innovation.”

Other winners of this year's Celebration of Achievement were also unveiled at the glittering awards ceremony at York Racecourse, where the Trust’s finest were congratulated and praised for their efforts.  This annual event is a prestigious occasion that honours those who go 'above and beyond' in their dedication to patients.

One of the awards which particularly defines the Trust’s principles is the ‘Living our Values’ category. This award highlights the positive impact staff have on the lives of staff and demonstrate how they go that extra mile.

This year the ‘Living Our Values’ award was shared jointly between a former nurse and bed manager, who has dedicated her career to helping others, and an HR Support Team Manager nominated for his unwavering staff support.

Anne Penny, who has also served as a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) representative, has worked for the Trust for a considerable number of years. Her nominator, Jenny Flinton, Head of Employee Relations and Engagement said it was important to recognise Anne’s work as she is due to retire soon and her departure would leave a void.

The other night’s joint winner in the ‘Living our Values’ category was Andrew Manson, HR Support Team Manager.  He was nominated for the award by three separate colleagues who were all equally impressed by his positive attitude. One nominator said he was a “wonderful person” who embodies the Trust values of kindness, openness, and excellence.

More than 350 staff members and guests left their everyday NHS uniforms behind to celebrate the night of excellence. Trust directors and governors had the privilege of presenting awards which reflect the extraordinary skills, expertise, and contributions our staff deliver daily in service to others.

The event is generously fully funded by sponsors, whose sponsorship makes the evening possible. This year’s headline sponsor was PPL Training, who is one of the UK’s leading Safe Systems of Work and Technical Compliance training course providers, and currently work with more than 100 NHS trusts year on year.  However, their business' roots firmly in York, as a family-run, engineer-led organisation since 2005.

These awards, along with the many others given in categories throughout the evening, highlighted the unwavering commitment, courage, and compassion of the Trust’s exceptional hospital staff.