NHS Trust’s best celebrated at Shine Awards
An awards evening filled with celebrations brought together NHS staff from across mid and south Essex to recognise their excellence.
The fourth Shine Awards, organised by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, took place on Thursday night at The Boundary Essex, where staff from the Trust hospitals gathered to celebrate those who have shown exceptional dedication to patient care.
Brimming with laughter and excitement, the night was brightened up by an amazing performance from magician Michael J Fitch.
This year saw an impressive 608 nominations across eight categories, with 24 finalists making the shortlist.
During the awards ceremony, Trust leaders including the Chief Executive, Matthew Hopkins, announced eight winners, each with an exceptional story and representing the very best of the Trust’s values.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of the Trust said: “Our staff are our biggest asset and being able to celebrate their achievements in this special way is one of the many ways we say thank you for their efforts. Many of our staff go over and above to provide excellent, compassionate, and respectful care every day, tonight’s awards are just a few examples of this.”
Nigel Beverley, Chair of the Trust, said: “The Shine Awards really help to put the spotlight on some of the excellent and innovative work that goes on at our Trust. I am always humbled and delighted to see the awards finalists and winners, and to know that more people nominate every year is really a testament to how important these awards are for people.”
Shine winners 2024
Rising Star
Grace Fawcett, a Healthcare Support Worker, was honoured for her compassionate nature and dedication to patient care, for improving the staff area in her department, and offering invaluable support to new starters and other colleagues. Grace said; “I didn’t think I would win, I’m so happy and thrilled.”
Other finalists
- Jessica White, Recruitment Advisor
- Tomas Barritt, Trainee Anatomical Pathologist Technologist
Outstanding Achievement (individual)
Lucy Lisle, Neonatal Transitional Care Lead at Basildon Hospital is the winner for successfully implementing the neonatal transitional care service at Basildon Hospital and for taking on multiple roles alongside her job, leading to improved care for patients and their babies. Lucy said; “Being nominated felt like I had already won, after 27 years in maternity, I feel overwhelmed.”
Other finalists
- Shailaja Bhardwaj, Physician Associate for Plastic Surgery
- Samantha Barton, Deputy Catering Manager
Outstanding Achievement (team)
The Cancer Access team were awarded for their success in reducing the number of patients waiting for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The team lead said: “We are delighted, really proud of our hard-working team. It’s been really tough competition so it’s even more special.”
Other finalists
- Writtle ward at Broomfield Hospital
- Hospital Out of Hours team at Southend Hospital
Spotlight
Lukasz Wesolowski, a Healthcare Assistant, won in this category for his teamwork and care towards patients, and his courage and bravery during an emergency. Lukasz said: “I am very excited and please to win. We work so hard and we all deserve to get recognised.”
Other finalists
- Joshua Cologne, Events Manager
- Javier Munoz, Housekeeper
Patient Champion
Nick Braithwaite, Trust Chaplain, has claimed the top honour for his ongoing efforts in supporting clinical staff by offering vital emotional and mental assistance to patients, being praised as a ‘miracle worker’. Nick said: “I am humbled and so pleased that the chaplaincy team is being recognised for the work we do.”
Other finalists
- Estuary ward at Southend Hospital
- Haematology day unit at Orsett Hospital
Partnership
Anoushka Luthra, Associate Medical Director for Primary Care, won in this award for helping to bridge the gap between primary and secondary care, with a dedication to collaborative working, that has helped to streamline services and ensure better outcomes for patients.
Anoushka said “It feels amazing and it really shows how important it is to link in closely with our primary care colleagues.”
Other finalists
- Chaplaincy team
- Alison Stratford, Lead Bereavement Officer
Making a Difference
Kate Gretton, Palliative Consultant at Southend Hospital, won the Making a Difference award for her remarkable dedication to providing compassionate end-of-life care and supporting families during their most challenging times. Kate said: “It’s an absolute honour to win and I am so grateful for the nominations.”
Other finalists
- Lizzie Lawrence, Staff Nurse
- Mithun Thampi, Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner
Leadership
Tracey Camburn, Lead Research Nurse at Broomfield Hospital, has won the Leadership award for putting patients at the heart of every decision she makes and providing support to her team at the same time. Under Tracey’s leadership, the Research team has achieved many national awards.
Tracey said: “Every good leader needs a team they can be proud of. I have four teams I manage and I feel so humbled to win.”
Other finalists
- Suja George, Matron
- Lyn Nield, Clinical Service Manager, Neurophysiology