We gathered for our annual Trust Awards, a chance for us to celebrate our wonderful colleagues and their hard work over the last year.
The awards were once again held at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea where all colleagues were invited to come along and support the individual and team winners of this year’s awards.
The event was a huge success, with almost 300 people in attendance. Finalists and their colleagues gathered on the top floor of the De La Warr Pavilion for drinks and nibbles before the ceremony, enjoying the glorious sea views before heading down to the main event.
After an introduction from Steve Phoenix, Chairman, Dr Simon Merritt, Chief Medical Officer, took over the evening’s proceedings, guiding us through the awards, which were presented by members of our senior executive team and non-executive directors.
“It was a wonderful afternoon and my absolute pleasure to present the awards to our deserving winners,” said Jayne Black, Chief Executive Officer. “Last night was my first awards since becoming Chief Executive and I was so impressed by all the finalists. These awards are a great way of recognising the work colleagues do and it was fantastic to chat to so many of them.
“I am so proud of all your accomplishments and it truly was an honour to experience the energy, enthusiasm and support of everyone in the room. The achievements and the positive impact each of our nominees made is inspiring and each one of you should feel immensely proud that your contribution has been recognised.”
Our awards, organised by the people Engagement team with support from the communications team, couldn’t take place without our generous sponsors. Thank you to everyone who made the afternoon possible.
Enhancing Patient Safety, Experience and Care Award
The Enhancing Patient Safety, Experience and Care Award, sponsored by the Friends of Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital, recognises improvements made to patient care, experience or safety, including the use or development of innovative equipment, processes or digital technologies, as well as the introduction or improvement of digital processes or systems.
Congratulations to our winner, Ross Webster, Advanced Speech and Language Therapist.
Ross has pioneered a role for speech and language therapy within the critical care multi-disciplinary team. He is the reason for the improvement in staff knowledge and skill around tracheostomy, voice and dysphagia.
Improving the Health and Wellbeing of our People Award
The Improving the Health and Wellbeing of our People Award, sponsored by IDOX Health, recognises an individual or team who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to enhance the health and wellbeing of colleagues. Their contribution has significantly improved the physical and/or mental and emotional wellbeing of colleagues, promoting a supportive and inclusive working environment.
Congratulations to our winner Charlotte Wood, Speech and Language Therapy Assistant.
Charlotte has been exceptional during a particularly busy time for the team, remaining warm and dedicated, an invaluable source of knowledge and understanding, and ensuring that wellbeing remains in the forefront of the team’s daily life.
Inspiring our People through Leadership Award
The Inspiring our People through Leadership Award, sponsored by Rebekah Giffney Consulting, recognises outstanding leadership, demonstrating a commitment to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Through visionary guidance and strategic thinking, they have positively impacted the organisation, driving positive change and inspiring colleagues at all levels.
A huge well done to our winner Hannah Long, Respiratory Team Lead.
Hannah is a visionary leader who has transformed respiratory services. She fosters a supportive, empowering culture, enabling colleagues to develop and thrive. Tireless, empathetic and truly inspiring, Hannah exemplifies outstanding leadership.
Inspiring Colleagues through Personal Development Award
The Inspiring Colleagues through Personal Development Award, sponsored McCrudden Training, recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to personal development. Through continuous learning, dedication and a proactive approach, they have not only enhanced their skills, but also positively impacted their team and the wider trust.
Congratulations to our winner, Laura Bennett, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, ENT, Voice, Head and Neck Cancer.
Laura’s focus on personal development has shaped her into a passionate, highly skilled and person-centred clinician. Her approachable nature, work ethic and dedication to detail are truly inspiring making her a valued member of the team.
Living the Trust Values Award
The Living the Trust Values Award, kindly sponsored by the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital, recognises a team or individual who consistently role models the trust values and behaviours of kindness, inclusivity and integrity, promoting a positive and supportive environment for everyone.
Congratulations to the Critical Care Oracle Newsletter Team.
The Oracle team lives our values every day. Their kindness shows, their inclusivity is genuine and meaningful, and their integrity shows in honest, constructive reporting. They’ve helped create a culture where living values is normal practice, not exceptional behaviour.
Team Contribution to Support Outstanding Patient Care Award
The Team Contribution to Support Outstanding Patient Care Award, also sponsored by the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital, recognises a team who has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, and through their combined efforts has made a real difference to delivering outstanding patient care and enhancing the overall patient experience.
Well done to the Community Speech and Language Therapy Team.
The team have outstanding dedication to improving care for people with Parkinson’s through the introduction of an evidence-based voice therapy programme, restoring confidence, communication and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.
Making a Difference Behind the Scenes Award (clinical)
The Making a Difference Behind the Scenes Award (clinical), sponsored by the Friends of the Conquest Hospital, goes to a person or team in a key clinical supporting role who has made a difference (behind the scenes) to support delivery of outstanding care and treatment to patients and service users award.
A huge well done to Nicola Jenkins, Infant Feeding Support Worker.
Nicola is an integral part of what is the first up and running clinic service for neurodivergent parents in the UK. She is a respected and valuable addition to our maternity team.
Leading by Example, Inclusion and Diversity Award
Our Leading by Example, Inclusion and Diversity Award, sponsored by the Friends of the Conquest Hospital, recognises a team or individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting inclusion and diversity. They have significantly improved equity and created a welcoming environment for all. By championing diversity initiatives they have driven positive change for colleagues and patients, making us a more open and transparent employer.
Congratulations to our Critical Care Oracle Newsletter Team.
The Oracle magazine is a powerful embodiment of our core values. The team promote a culture of inclusion by giving every staff member a voice and transforming our team culture in ways that directly impact patient care and staff retention.
Making a Difference Behind the Scenes Award (non-clinical)
The Making a Difference Behind the Scenes Award (non-clinical), goes to a person or team in a key non-clinical supporting role who has made a difference (behind the scenes) to support delivery of outstanding care and treatment to patients and service users award, sponsored by Unison.
Congratulations to our winner, Harry Walker, Ward Administrator, Sussex Premier Health.
Harry has made a significant difference through his kind, caring nature and the respectful, compassionate way he communicates. He is always helpful, approachable and friendly, creating a positive atmosphere for everyone around him.
Colleague of the Year, Temporary Workforce Service Award
Our Colleague of the Year, Temporary Workforce Service (TWS) Award, sponsored by Unison, recognises the contribution of a TWS colleague who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication by being reliable and adaptable in their role and being a role model for the trust values and behaviours.
Congratulations to Dr Darius Khalesi, Senior House Officer.
Dr Khalesi consistently demonstrates exceptional reliability and adaptability, significantly improving patient care through compassionate, evidence-based practice. He has made a profound impact.
Long service awards
We also celebrated some of our colleagues who have reached the milestone of 40 years’ service. To have worked for the NHS for 40 years shows a significant level of dedication to serving our patients and local communities and we are hugely grateful for their contribution both to our trust and to the NHS overall.
Congratulations to all our colleagues who have reached this milestone, and in particular, congratulations to Chris Kyprianou, Margaret Hewett and Pamela Timms, who were able to join us to celebrate on the night.
People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award, nominated by our patients or their families or carers, celebrates colleagues who go out of their way to support a patient’s needs and bring about change and clear benefits for the people who use the service and their carers through their creative thinking, leadership, mentoring, teaching, commitment, vision, determination or drive.
A huge well done to Hubert Rudzinski, Staff Nurse, Medical Day Unit, our winner.
Hubert’s nomination read: “Hubert offered the most tender and caring approach of palliative care. He respected my son’s needs and instinctively knew what and how he needed to be cared for. Hubert’s demeanour was patient, kind, supportive, calming, knowledgeable, humble, as well as kind.”
Chairman’s Award
This award is chosen by our Chairman, Steve Phoenix. While the Chairman’s Cup often goes to our frontline colleagues, this year Steve celebrated one of our colleagues from a non-clinical role, who work tirelessly to keep our hospitals running.
Congratulations to Chris Hodgson, Director of Estates and Facilities.