Star Award finalists 2023

Nerys Pickup

Scarborough

"I could not be more grateful to have had her looking after my dad. She is a huge huge credit to Scarborough Hospital.

Hannah Prince

Scarborough

Hannah demonstrated a high level of professionalism and was a dependable source of compassion and support for the whole family.

Providing continuity of care was important to Hannah, and she came into the hospital on a day off between night shifts to spend time with the family.

Anna Watt

York

Embodying our Trust values, Anna is also leading a multi-disciplinary team working to improve care for other elderly and frail patients.

Sue Thompson

Scarborough

Tracey Robinson

York

Tracey is consistently kind, patient, and caring with patients and colleagues and is a wonderful example of someone who embodies the Trust Values. 

Recently she happened to pass an elderly lady who had fallen on the way to her GP.  Even though she was off duty, she helped her to get to the GP for her appointment, but the GP wanted her to be checked out in A and E. Though this lady was a stranger, Tracey took this lady and stayed with her and communicated with the patient’s son.

Kanak Patel

York

Dr Kanak is a ‘very supportive colleague’ who clearly shows respect for patients. He is willing to take time to source the right people for the job and maintain good communication channels, especially for patients who are neuro-diverse. 

Nominator, Georgina Cherry, explained: “Each time I contacted Dr Kanak with a query about a patient with learning disabilities, he has responded promptly and asked relevant questions about what needs to happen. Having colleagues who work this way makes our job so much easier and means the outcome for patients is much more positive.”

Phoebe Smith

Scarborough

Phoebe has been described as a great asset to her team after she took the time to reassure an MND patient who was anxious before his discharge from Scarborough Hospital.

As the patient was non-verbal, she offered him extra support by listening carefully to his concerns, explaining what would happen next, and offering as much as help as possible for after he returned home. Phoebe went the extra mile to make sure that the patient understood what was happening and did an excellent job of keeping the patient’s MDT and the MND nurse updated on his care. 

Darren Ford

Scarborough

Superintendent Radiographer Darren stepped in to provide reassurance for a patient who was very anxious about having a CT scan.

Walking around to A&E from his own department, he calmly explained the procedure and stayed with the patient throughout, finding a common interest to chat about until the scan was complete.

“Darren was amazing and really epitomised our Trust values of kindness, openness and excellence. He should be recognised for going above and beyond to deliver a high standard of care. The patient really appreciated Darren's efforts; he felt so safe despite being very anxious."

Stephen Palmer

York

Philip Lim

York

The lady was scheduled for a combined operation due to a complex, very large abdominal wall hernia. She had been on the waiting list for a long time and was brought in for surgery.  Due to the long waiting time, the hernia had grown even larger and, without a plastic surgeon's help, we would not be able to proceed and were looking at cancelling the patient.

"I reluctantly rang Mr Lim and he generously dropped what he had scheduled personally whilst he was on his annual leave and came in to help with the surgery. This act shows the Trust values of kindness, putting the patient first and going way beyond call of duty.

Amber Thompson

York

While the therapy team has been short over the last two months, Amber has been a great help and rehabilitation advocate for our critical care patients.

Amber uses her initiative to ensure all patients are out of bed when able, dressed in their own clothes, have clear plans, and, where possible, take trips outside.

In the last couple of months, Amber has facilitated three trips to the therapy garden, on one occasion taking three patients at once. This is incredibly motivating for the patients' recovery.

Amber demonstrates the Trust values and the ethos of early rehabilitation within critical care. "As a therapy team, we are extremely grateful and thankful."

Kate Kennedy

York

Kate was nominated by her colleague, who said:

"Kate was extremely receptive and amenable to the reasonable adjustments that I needed for a patient with severe learning disabilities and autism.

"There had been a previous complex admission for his surgery, and he needed a follow-up appointment at the clinic to check the wound and dressings. Kate was open and listened carefully to my requests and the information about the young gentleman. After listening, she shared suggestions and ideas of her own that were very accommodating and made my job a lot easier.

"Kate suggested changing the appointment time to one that was quieter for him and would mean he didn't have to wait - this was in between clinics, during lunch. She had also offered to stay after clinic hours to see him.

"Mum chose lunchtime. Kate met them at the lifts and took them straight through to the clinic room to assess the wound (she had arranged the largest clinic room to accommodate Mum and Dad being there and to give the patient more space).

"On seeing the wound, Kate realised the patient needed antibiotics and quickly liaised with her team to get these prescribed and collected. The patient coped well in this situation, all down to the adjustments Kate had made. Nothing was too much to ask of Kate; her independent suggestions were invaluable.

"Kate also booked him in the week after for a follow-up and handed all the details and adjustments over to her colleague. Her approach to this situation was calm, understanding, and very respectful. It makes a huge difference to our service when colleagues are receptive and can put reasonable adjustments in place. knowing there are colleagues like Kate who can support us and our patients is wonderful. Thank you!"

Rebecca Wilson

York

Rebecca has shown dedication and hard work above and beyond expectations, demonstrating all the Trust values whilst working closely with a patient on ward 26.

The patient had been with us for over 60 days, and this, along with a series of complex surgeries, meant they were having a bit of a difficult time. Throughout their journey, Rebecca showed great empathy and fantastic skills in motivating and engaging the patient in activities.

Rebecca regularly took time to listen to the patient, which was especially valuable when they were facing communication difficulties due to a tracheostomy. The patient consistently responded to the positive impact Rebecca has on their care.

Rebecca recognised the patient's frustration and low mood, responding by facilitating regular time away from the unit, outside and to the therapy garden. Rebecca has also been a great advocate for the patient and actively involved herself in ongoing care plans and discharge planning, considering all the patient's wishes.

"What's remarkable and outstanding is Rebecca's ability to go above and beyond during times of staff shortages and changes. You are a star... thank you."

Ash Ward, Bobbie Hartley, Lucy Davis and Kath Sartain

Scarborough

These members of staff were nominated when, in the face of adversity, they showed exceptional care for a couple who were both battling terminally advanced cancers.

Unfortunately, the couple were being cared for on different wards. This team of individuals banded together to reunite the couple on Ash Ward.

Unfortunately, one of the patient's health deteriorated, and his care was transferred to St Catherine's Hospice. Kath organised for a member of staff to accompany the man's partner to visit him at the hospice in his final days.

This compassionate gesture, orchestrated with empathy and care, lightened the heavy burden on the couple's devoted daughter. Everyone involved showcased the true essence of human kindness in the realm of healthcare

Georgia Bowlby

York

Georgia is nominated by a patient for her kindness and for always going that ‘extra mile’.

“In the last few years my mum has been poorly and truthfully, I was losing faith in the NHS. That was until my mum passed away. I would like to say all the team in AMU were brilliant, but Georgia just made the difference - nothing was too much trouble - she constantly kept a close on eye her right up to end. It takes a special kind of person to do Georgia’s job, she was amazing, and I only wish there was more people as caring as her.”

Gill Cryle

Trust-wide

With the constant developments and the amount of stress IT causes when changes are in process, Gill Cryle “has to be” nominated for her knowledge, professional attitude, and proficiency.

“I hear her name in passing by colleagues as the ‘go to’ person if possible,” said Terry Winter, who nominated Gill.

“Gill receives lots of feedback and concerns, yet she seems to be able to overturn heated, irritated high emotions to a calm state. She does not retaliate in any form but responds always with integrity and empathy.”

Blood Sciences Specimen Reception

York

Laura Blissett

York

Intensive Care Unit

York

This team were nominated by the daughter of a patient who was transferred to the ICU after experiencing a severe cardiac arrest at York Station.

The patient’s daughter wanted to praise the kindness of the whole team involved in the care of her Dad, who sadly died after a short time in hospital.

“I will never forget the team’s kindness and compassion. Without them, I would not have gotten through this.”

Keeley Harris

Bridlington

An elderly patient asked for the whereabouts of his wife at the reception desk, but appeared confused and disoriented, and became visibly upset. Upon further investigation, it was discovered he had been involved in a road traffic accident and suffered with dementia.

He was looking for his wife who was sadly hospitalised elsewhere, but Keeley was able to calm him down and ensure his safe return to the ward.

Victoria Beattie

York

"Victoria is an excellent nurse who I have had the pleasure of working with.  On numerous occasions, Victoria has demonstrated excellent patient care and attention to detail.  One evening, a patient experiencing a miscarriage was admitted to resus. She was very scared and reluctant to be examined.  The patient knew Victoria from an earlier attendance, so I asked her to come from GAU to assist.

"Victoria was kind, compassionate, efficient, helping us manage a difficult and sensitive situation. She did this without question or concern for leaving late from her hectic 12-hour shift.  These qualities should be recognised and celebrated.  People like Victoria are what make the NHS such a unique organisation.  She makes a significant difference to patients and also to colleagues.

Darius Amos and Jonny Davies

Scarborough

On arrival to the ward to take the patient to the mortuary, porters Darius and Jonny conducted themselves with such professionalism. They introduced themselves to the patient's family and spoke to them with care and sensitivity.  From the conversations, they understood the family wanted to go with the patient to the mortuary, which isn't a frequent request. Darius and Jonny made sure this happened, and even comforted one of the family members afraid of the lift.

Megan Concannon

York

"She gives 110% to patients, staff, relatives, the Trust, and the NHS. She is an exemplary nurse and her knowledge is shown in the care she gives.  Megan is always willing to step in and help when the ward is short staffed or the skill mix is one-sided. She is even the nominated social planner and arranges events and our Christmas night out!

Carol Popplestone

Scarborough

Carol was nominated by a patient for care and support she has given him.

"When I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer some four years ago, one doctor told me I had not long to live. At that point, I was down on the floor with no future... but Carol lifted me up.

"Carol gave me hope and has been there for me ever since. She runs a support group after work and everyone at the group will tell you how good she is. The staff who work with her benefit from her expertise and are brilliant thanks to her.  If I ever have a problem and need some reassurance, Carol or one of her colleagues always comes back to me. During the last four years, I have spoken to many of her patients and they all say the same.

"Carol has helped me to live and other patients will tell you how she goes beyond the call of duty every day. Not only has she helped with the basic nursing duties but has also been meticulous dealing with my illness.  Her humour always lifts me up on a bad day.

"In a nutshell, Carol is the most dedicated person I have ever met and I cannot praise her and her colleagues enough."

Polly Boyes

York

They figured out the mistake in the afternoon when the lab was busiest. Polly, who's a senior scientist and leads the team, took control. She made sure her co-workers could take breaks while she ran the lab.  After their breaks, she checked all the samples from the night before by herself. She stayed until 9pm, four hours longer than usual. This helped the team keep working on urgent and normal samples without delays for the emergency department and hospital wards.

Admissions Team

York

The team were nominated for their efforts to make a hospital admission and surgery as comfortable as possible for a patient with learning disabilities, severe autism, and ADHD.

The admission was weeks in the planning, with multiple medical and non-medical professionals involved, and considered everything from where the patient’s mum would park the car to where staff would be standing.  The patient found waiting very upsetting, so doors and lifts were opened ahead of time, and all staff on the unit were in position and knew when and where to get involved.

Fantastic communication and reasonable adjustments meant this patient was able to get the surgery he needed, with as little trauma as possible, meaning he hopefully won’t need to attend hospital again for a very long time.

Victoria Clark

Scarborough

Victoria has also set up a charity for new mums in need of essentials for their baby. She works incredibly hard, beyond her hours, and is always checking her team is ok.

Clinton Cooper and Lyndsay Crossman

Scarborough

Clinton and Lyndsay were nominated by a patient holidaying in Scarborough who was admitted to the critical care unit and found to have a severe heart condition which required surgery.  To have the surgery, the patient needed to be transferred to his local hospital in Kent with a team from our ward.

Despite already working six hours and knowing it would be a long trip, Lyndsay volunteered to go along. Clinton, who was on an early shift that day, also offered to go along.  After the trip, ensuring the patient could be transferred safely, Lyndsay and Clinton arrived back in Scarborough after 1am.

Lyndsay and Clinton showed such dedication and compassion, thinking not of the long journey but the wellbeing and safety of the patient.  The expression "going the extra mile" certainly comes to mind!

Adam Brook

Scarborough

Mr Brook was nominated by a colleague. He is a new consultant at the hospital who's friendly and easy to talk to. He's always happy to help out. Sometimes, it's not easy to ask senior staff for things, but Mr. Brook makes it feel easier. He's also good at explaining things when we have questions.

"He's not only focused on his own tasks. He's willing to do things that aren't usually his job to help his teammates. He goes above and beyond to help both the staff and the patients. For example, during a planned c-section when the nurse was busy and couldn't finish some paperwork, Mr. Brook stepped in and did it without hesitation.

"Patients and staff cannot speak highly enough of him, his bedside manner is exemplary and both staff and patients continuously compliment his practice. Mr Brook is a breath of fresh air and I think it is important he receives the recognition for this and knows how much maternity values him as part of the team.

Emma Barber

Emma was nominated for the kindness shown and support provided to a patient on Rainbow Ward and their family.

Both the patient and their parent have spent a long time on the ward and the weeks were beginning to take their toll. Because of the patient’s complex needs and limited communication ability, their parent never left their side.

After getting to know the family well over their extended stay, Emma volunteered to come in on her day off to provide 1:1 care for a full 24 hours, including staying overnight, in order to give the parent some time at home with their partner and other child.

This offer was accepted, demonstrating just how much trust the parent had in Emma’s care, and the time away from hospital made a huge difference for the family.

Catering Production Teams

York and Scarborough

In that time, despite the challenge of a new kitchen floor being fitted at Scarborough, the temporary loss of equipment at York, and supporting colleagues during industrial action with packed lunches, the teams have demonstrated great teamwork, resilience, and commitment.

Theresa Bradshaw

Scarborough Hospital

Teresa, an admin assistant within the discharge command centre at Scarborough Hospital, is described by her colleagues as “very hardworking.”

Recently, a colleague was caring for a patient who had been diagnosed with lung cancer that had metastasised, after being admitted to hospital with back pain. He was only 45 years old and, on top of this, had been made homeless on the day of his admission.

Teresa is an expert on the vulnerable and homeless, so when the colleague turned to her for advice, she used her contacts to source emergency accommodation. Teresa also offered help and advice for permanent rehoming. Despite the patient being unable to speak English, Teresa was able to help. She showed care and compassion and went above and beyond to improve a difficult situation for a very vulnerable man.

Alex Trousdale

Adrian Gray and Craig Wilson

Claire Mckee

Yassin Ahmed

Samantha Reddy

Phlebotomist

Karsten Weston

Heidi Fry

Emily Parkinson

Bereavement Office and Palliative Care Team

A young gentleman was in the last days of his life on ward 33 and was too unwell to leave hospital. He and his wife had two German Shepherd dogs that they called 'their children.' The palliative care team arranged for the dogs to be brought into the hospital to the bereavement suite where the patient, on his bed with oxygen therapy was waiting for them. This would be the last time he had contact with his two dogs.

The bereavement team could not have been more supportive in making the patient's last wishes come true. It was a true example of collaborative working between teams and keeping the patient at the centre of everything we do.

Ashley Webster

Scarborough Hospital

Porters are known for doing an incredible job and none more than Ashley Webster who is recognised for his genuine care and compassion.

His kindness, consideration and dedication to patients and his natural ability to put their needs and feelings first is described as ‘an inspiration’. Even on a busiest day Ashley appears calm, professional and always ready with a smile for patients and staff. His communication skills with colleagues are second to none - when he is bleeped to help out he immediately rings back and if busy he will let people know he will be few minutes late.

Ashley treats patients with compassion, when he is moving patients to either a new ward or for X-ray the first thing he does is to introduce himself to the patient. He takes the time to chat to the patients as though he is talking to a family member.

Kerry Thirlwell

Community Midwife, New Selby War Memorial Hospital

Paul Hodgson and Chris Allen

HPV Operatives, Facilities Department, Scarborough Hospital

Tanya Barber

Housekeeper, Scarborough Hospital

Willow Eye Ward

Vicki Clancey

Diabetes Specialist Nurse, York Hospital

Mark Fearnley

Research Nurse, York Hospital

York Hospital maternity team