2023 Excellence Awards Programme

Event Programme

Welcome

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Order of Ceremony and Menu

Thank You to our Supporters

UHN Patient Experience Award

UHN Excellence In Collaboration and Partnership Award & UHN Sustainability Champion Award

UHN Supporting Staff Wellbeing Award & Patient Safety Award

KGH and NGH Excellence in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards

KGH and NGH Inspirational Individual Clinical Awards

KGH and NGH Inspirational Volunteer of the Year Awards

KGH and NGH Fundraiser of the Year Awards

KGH and NGH Inspirational Non-Clinical Team Awards

KGH and NGH Research and Innovation Awards

KGH and NGH Inspirational Non-Clinical Individual Awards

KGH and NGH Dedicated to Development, Learning and Progression Awards

KGH and NGH Inspirational Clinical Team Award

Lifetime Achievement Award and Thank You

Our Group Values

Welcome to the 2023 Excellence Awards

Our staff Excellence Awards is one of the most important dates in our calendar. This year we are delighted to be celebrating in person again and with KGH & NGH colleagues together for the first time as a Hospital Group.

The awards are so important to take time to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our staff, volunteers and fundraisers and celebrate all that we have achieved together over the past year.

Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted this evening. We received over 450 nominations for the awards this year and selecting four shortlisted nominees in each category was not an easy task for our judging panels. From page seven, we have provided short summaries of the nominations received for all our shortlisted finalists.

All the nominations received, and particularly those which were shortlisted, demonstrate that, despite the challenges our staff face each and every day, they are prepared to go the extra mile to support one another and make sure that all our patients receive excellent care.

Once again, we are thrilled to have been supported by Northamptonshire Health Charity. Thanks to their support and sponsorship we’re once again able to come together to celebrate staff and say thank you. Without the support of the charity team and of our local fundraisers these events would not be possible.

We would also like to thank our hosts Tom Percival and Annabel Amos, from BBC Radio Northampton who have kindly agreed to host the evening. We would also like to thank all our other supporters for their generosity and support for this event.

Finally, thank you to the teams in the hospital who have provided their support to make the awards happen. This includes our teams in finance, procurement, stores, our judging panels, presenters and the communications team.

We hope you enjoy the awards evening and thank you for all you do for our Hospital Group.

Support the Northamptonshire Health Charity

Be one of our supporters and help towards the cost of future Excellence Awards events. If you would just like to say thank you to our colleagues this is the option for you.

You can donate any amount to the Northamptonshire Health Charity by scanning the QR code or visit http://bit.ly/3y64f3v

Northamptonshire Health Charity

Northamptonshire Health Charity are proud to be sponsoring the Excellence Awards again this year for KGH & NGH, making it the first Group awards. This is just one way in which the charity is pleased to be able to support colleagues from across the Group in both patient and non-patient facing areas.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the NHS teams who we support for their hard work and dedication and let you know how humbled the charity is by the amount of donations received daily with thanks for the care you provide.

It is with the support of staff spreading the word about the charity amongst your teams, patients, and their families that we receive such generous donations. These donations enable the charity to fund staff wellbeing initiatives and enhancements to patient care across both trusts above and beyond what the NHS can provide. So, a huge thanks to all who have taken part in the charity events, raised funds for your department or even just mentioned the charity, thank you!

We wish you all the very best of luck if you’re nominated for an award this evening. You are all winners in our eyes!”

Alison McCulloch Head of Fundraising, Northamptonshire Health Charity

Order of Ceremony & Menu

5:30pm

6:35pm

6:40pm 6:45pm 8.30pm 9:55pm 10.00pm Midnight

Arrivals and drinks reception

Guests take their seats

Chairman’s welcome

Dinner

Awards ceremony begins

Closing address

Awards party

Event ends

Order of Ceremony Menu

Starter

Local Brixworth pate served with mixed dressed leaves, French bread toasts and red onion marmalade

Heirloom tomato, mozzarella, red onion and basil salad, aged balsamic and pesto drizzle (GF) (V) (VE available)

Main Course

Thyme roasted supreme of chicken, button mushrooms, baby onion and red wine sauce

Vegan Cumberland sausage bean cassoulet (V) & (VE)

Dessert

Warm chocolate brownie, white chocolate drizzle, chocolate shards and clotted cream (VE)

Chocolate & Coconut Tart served with a mango sorbet (V) & (VE)

Our Supporters Thank you

We would also like to extend our thanks to our supporters who have made donations or offered their services at a reduced cost to support the awards evening.

Gem Celebrations have transformed the venue into a 1920’s theme on an extremely small budget and thank you to them for ensuring the event has the ‘wow’ factor.

Group Awards

UHN Patient Experience Award

MacMillan (KGH & NGH)

KGH

Since opening in May 2022, the new Macmillan centre has supported over 1,400 patients providing practical and emotional support, welfare benefits advice and signposting to other support services. The team consistently represent our core values, working from the most basic initiatives - a series of trolleys with patient information and support, to the development and delivery of the cancer information centre, which is a sanctuary of peace and support for patients.

NGH

During COVID, the Macmillan Information Centre remained open, becoming the first hospital in the region to offer online support, including access to the ‘Helping overcome problems effectively’ programme. The centre also hosted live Q&A sessions to address unanswered questions and concerns for patients and carers, health and wellbeing programmes, workshops, and one-to-one assessments. The team have received positive feedback from patients describing how they felt more confident following treatment.

Dr Michael Pierides (KGH)

Dr Pierides was nominated by Mr and Mrs Allan. They said that Dr Pierides and his team restored their faith over the past three years providing extraordinary support during Mr Allan’s care. “It is not often that you come across an individual, team, or service that touches your heart and changes your life as much as this has… Our family is wholeheartedly indebted and there are not enough words to explain how grateful we are, forever thankful.”

Louise Woodford (KGH)

Louise couldn’t have done enough to make my mum feel comfortable and loved. She spoke to her with respect and a truly caring voice, nothing was too much trouble. My mum really responded to Louise’s voice even at the end when she was not too aware of her surroundings. She cared for my mum in a way that touched my heart. As busy as the ward was, Louise seemed to spread her magic to everyone, she always gave 100% to her patients.

Paula Morgan Clow & Anne Richley (NGH)

Several years ago, Maternity Matrons, Anne & Paula, created the initiative 'Meet the Matron'. This clinic is promoted to all women when they are discharged from maternity care but also through the NHS 'Northamptonshire Maternity Voices Partnership' (MVP) Facebook page. At the height of COVID, when face to face contact was significantly reduced, Paula and Anne continued to see users of the service via zoom/teams/phone calls and held group sessions, along with KGH Matrons to help reduce anxiety and to answer questions on a weekly basis.

UHN Excellence In Collaboration and Partnership Award

AHP Event Planning Team (Group)

The inaugural AHP group conference was held in 2022 to showcase the excellence in care the professions across the group bring to the two hospitals. Working in collaboration, fellow AHP's across the group formed part of a determined planning team committed to making the day a success. The benefits of pulling together a group AHP conference has since shown how our AHPs can connect and work differently. The long lasting impact ensured that our AHPs felt respected, valued and engaged and are exploring longer term opportunities to work together to further deliver excellence in our care to our patients across the county.

CT Guided Lung Biopsy Service (KGH)

The Pleural team collaborated with the Interventional chest radiology team and Lung cancer Lead to establish a novel outpatient CT guided lung biopsy service. This was integrated with the ambulatory pneumothorax pathway to safely manage patients who developed an iatrogenic pneumothorax (post Biopsy) at home. As the most common major complication could be managed as an outpatient, we were able to convert the entire Lung CTGB pathway to an outpatient service, eliminating the waiting list for the service and speeded up the lung cancer diagnostic pathway.

Communications & Engagement Team (UHN)

The communications team were the first team to start working as a group team in 2021. They have been instrumental in setting the standards of how collaboration should work. Some of the projects the team have led on include Long Service, Group Excellence Awards (March 2023), and the AHP Conference. The team demonstrate all of the values, especially integrity, as the team are discreet, professional and are trusted with extremely sensitive information. The team are collaborative and partner many other teams in the Group to enable them to be successful.

Stroke Therapy MDT (NGH)

The stroke therapy MDT team make a huge contribution to the safety, experience and wellbeing of our patients on Benham ward. They are all highly motivated and experienced practitioners, providing quality personalised and individual care. Nothing is too much trouble, they communicate and work collaboratively with the nursing staff, medics and support staff.

UHN Sustainability Champion Award

Craig Catterick and Estates Team (KGH)

Craig has achieved 'zero to landfill' in relation to our Hospital Trust. Craig has led this work and has established KGH as a flagship in this area. Craig has presented at the hospitals sharing platform Yokoten raising the sustainability profile of the hospital and for filling the commitment made in the Trusts 2021 pledge.

Holly Slyne and Jasmine Lowdon (NGH)

Holly and Jasmine entered the Green Team competition with the aim of reducing PPE usage. As well as reducing glove and apron use, they saved money, waste and carbon. They also improved staff knowledge on correct PPE usage. They have shared this learning across the Midlands IPC and at a national IPC conference.

Stephen Short (NGH)

Steve has been instrumental in creating a culture of improvement within the Catering Services Team that is always considering the environmental aspects. He has ensured that the hospital measures its food waste, has worked with suppliers to remove as much single use plastic as possible from the catering operations, ensured there are plant-based meal options in the restaurant and encouraging the use of local suppliers. In everything he does at NGH Steve has patients, staff and sustainability at the forefront of his thinking.

Paul Slater (NGH)

Paul has been a huge driving force behind the green actions of the anaesthetic department. As a result, the hospital exceeded national and regional targets for the reduction of desflurane (an anaesthetic gas) and was recognised locally as an example of best practice. This resulted in a carbon and financial saving of hundreds of tonnes of CO2 and tens of thousands of pounds every year.

Award

FY1 Buddy Scheme (KGH)

The buddy initiative pilot began supporting FY1 students at KGH in 2001. The programme was introduced to new doctors to ensure they were safe and well looked after in their busy roles. FY1 doctors were buddied up with senior doctors who offered support to relieve anxiety in their roles, making sure students weren’t stressed, overworked, tired and in need of further support.

Dr Rachel Jones (NGH)

Rachel provides pastoral care to several colleagues in ED (including those she does not directly manage). In the last twelve months she has gone above and beyond to support colleagues struggling with childcare, including several doctors who have moved to the UK with their families. Rachel has also arranged the rotas to accommodate childcare commitments. She has also set up a peer support network for parents in ED to support colleagues.

HCA Pastoral Support (NGH)

Amy and Sarah’s invaluable roles were created to support the retention of our healthcare support workers. Collectively, they have supported colleagues with personal distressing circumstances (mental illness, homelessness, and other complex situations), becoming advocates for colleagues to voice their concerns, taking courage to speak up to staff when they have witnessed poor behaviours, and escalated situations they have been unable to solve.

Brew

Buddy (UHN)

The Brew Buddy was started by the volunteers to provide access to drinks for colleagues who might not have time to get a drink while working. I've been lucky enough to support with a shift and accompany the Brew Buddy and I was amazed at the difference it makes to staff. The Brew Buddy is so much more than just a drink, it's a chance to give colleagues a short bit of respite from the pressures, have a chance to have a chat with volunteers and just have someone check in and ask if they're okay.

UHN Patient Safety Award

Falls Prevention Teams (KGH & NGH)

The team shows courage and accountability, ensure ward staff are trained and follow procedures to prevent falls. They respectfully listen to staff views and opinions through their monthly PIF meetings and use their expert knowledge and skills to show courage in learning from cases. They work hard to raise audit scores and staff engagement and work with other teams to deliver the best patient safety.

Basel Alouanti (NGH)

A phenomenal science communicator. Dr Alouanti regularly produces "Infections Newsletters" that are always interesting and succinct. This helps busy clinicians read important patient safety messages quickly and in an engaging way. It is easily for a specialist to bamboozle lay people, but these newsletters strike the perfect balance of detail without overburden.

Safeguarding Team (NGH)

This team runs in the background to ensure no child, parent, pregnant women, adult or vulnerable adult experiences abuse or neglect. Their responsibilities are wide ranging; ensuring child protections plans are in place, supporting families and people living with dementia, mental health conditions or learning disability. The team ensure that all staff are equipped with the skills to deal with suspected abuse and neglect. The safeguarding team will challenge decisions when they don’t believe they are in best interest of patients, I truly believe the safeguarding team are the unsung heroes of our hospital.

Patient Safety Team (KGH)

A new initiative, working with colleagues involved in a patient safety case. Clinical teams “own” service improvement. Round table meetings are facilitated with teams so they can talk about what went well with patient care and what could be improved. Support focuses on systems and processes that impact on patient care for wider learning and the team have improved rapid learning messages via videos and newsletters that are easily accessed by all.

Excellence in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Claire Knibb

Claire is passionate and selfless when promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at KGH and promoting Compassionism. She was hugely instrumental in the development of the draft policy for International Medical Graduates Induction. As well as the design of the pilot Induction programme. Always going the extra mile to go on ward tours, listening to the challenges of doctors dealing with the pressures of the NHS and being new to the system. Claire is an amazing colleague, deeply passionate about everything KGH stands for.

Volunteer Services (UHN)

The team have been working to support inclusive volunteering initiatives, increasing representation of our local communities. This includes volunteering with groups from; youth volunteering, the local job seekers (in support with the Job Centre), Mencap and Isebrook School (a special educational needs school). This has led to a significant increase in volunteers in the hospitals. For those taking part it has built confidence, developed transferable skills, and helped them take steps towards being ready to move into employment or into further academic institutions. Without the support, dedication and enthusiasm of the team and their commitment to inclusivity in volunteering this would not be possible.

EDI Network Chairs

The chairs have done an excellent job of advocating and supporting the Trust in becoming a more inclusive place to work. Our chairs have helped create safe spaces for colleagues to voice their concerns, support development and are leaders within their networks and across KGH.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Estates Team

I have never felt so welcomed and involved in any workplace. I have had some bad experiences in the past. Immediately I knew I would be looked after and feel included, I have had nothing but respect. I have always felt included and fellow colleagues are genuinely interested in my beliefs and values.

Alistair Weston

Alistair has supported both KGH and NGH on their inclusivity journeys. Alistair has supported programmes such as Q Space training, Networks in NGH, Inclusive Recruitment Champions, RCN Cultural Ambassadors, and one to one support for Overseas Nurses. He has supported staff to be able to speak up. He is a safe space for those who might be unsure around which route to take and is always willing to help no matter what the query or issue is.

Shelley Rossiter

Shelley thinks out of the box and has enabled me to balance my work and family life by offering me flexible working hours that allow me to drop off and fetch my children without compromising my patients and the organisation. She had also demonstrated compassion for the challenges the international nurses are faced with while entering a new work and living environment.

Andre Gore

Andre is a truly excellent ambassador of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Having led NGH through various accreditations such as the Stonewall Rainbow Badge and the ENEI Tide accreditations, Andre has helped secure NGH as an inclusive employer. Andre has created a safe space for colleagues and patients to raise EDI concerns and has helped other teams and departments become more inclusive. Andre has been a strong support for our EDI chairs, led and built the staff networks and a champion for colleagues to go to for advice when needed.

Inspirational Individual Clinical Award

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Nhamo Pazvakavambwa

Nhamo is an outstanding clinical practitioner. He ensures safeguarding concerns are appropriately raised and dealt with to provide the most vulnerable people with the help they need. Nhamo is an inspirational colleague who remains calm and professional in every case. He teaches Safeguarding training to staff so simply and effectively.

Raja Reddy

Dr Reddy has great commitment, passion and drive to innovate and influence patient centred care. Dr Reddy is approachable, always willing to listen and give advice wherever is needed. He is professional, personable, trustworthy and is a great role model and mentor. Dr Reddy always volunteers in the hour of need, he does it quietly with little fanfare and little expectation of acknowledgement or gratitude.

Zoe Russell

A patient of no fixed abode attended the eye department after arriving very unkempt. Zoe took it upon herself to purchase some new, clean clothes for the patient to wear upon leaving hospital. Zoe went above and beyond the duties of a healthcare assistant to ensure this man was well looked after. Zoe is inspirational based upon this pure act of human kindness.

Amber Dicks

Amber cared for my parents last year and kept my father’s spirits up when he was down. She was kind, considerate and knowledgeable even when the ward was extremely busy. Amber led my mum’s care in her final days and hours, and treated her with such care and dignity. Amber showed that under huge pressure and resource constraint that she always has patient care at the heart of everything she does. She is one of the best examples of a medical professional I have ever encountered.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Dr Kalpna Gupta

Dr Gupta is an excellent anaesthetist with amazing productivity, and an inspiring ability to get the job done. Dr Gupta is a great team worker that is loved by all and appreciated by patients and their families.

Sarah Thorogood

Sarah is a strong advocate of individualised care and has shown amazing compassion towards patients with learning difficulties and brain injuries. Sarah purchases nice toiletries for patients on the ward, and researched and obtained inflatable hair wash bowls, so bed bound patients could have their hair washed. Sarah is supportive, shows kindness, empathy and compassion to all and is a hardworking team player. Sarah will be starting her nursing associate training soon, and I know she is going to make an exceptional nurse.

Cameron Coles

Cameron gave my dad time and patience, verbally and physically reassuring him with kindness. He ensured dad, who was unable to communicate his needs, got the right pain relief and comfort medication he desperately needed. When my dad passed away, Cameron made an extremely difficult time and experience more bearable, and I will never forget him for that.

Melesina Goodwin

Mel's proactive approach to her work and the care of those with epilepsy, is awe inspiring. Mel's support for those (particularly with learning disabilities) is empathetic, compassionate and caring. She also ensures that the individual is valued and encouraged in their own care.

Inspirational Volunteer of the Year Award

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Judith Mitchell

Judith has been a dedicated Volunteer for over 10 years now. She has worked in the Cardiac Gym and is currently almost full time in ED. Judith has also been a tutor to the new Volunteers and has taken part in research, plus various other work at KGH.

Barry Perrin

Barry has several roles within the Trust as a volunteer from administration support with the GreatIx programme, to digital support with the IT team. He is always the first to offer any additional support, whether for the industrial action days, or recent building works, he is always happy to lend a hand. He is a real demonstration of compassion in action.

John Wright

John has been looking after the Dementia friendly garden for several years now. John keeps the garden looking clean, tidy, and loved for our patients and their families to use. During the long hot summer of 2022, I was informed by a visitor that John had postponed his holiday during the summer period to ensure that the garden remained cared for so our patients could use.

Shannon Hawthorn

Shannon embodies all we could hope a volunteer would offer – her enthusiasm, her commitment and her willingness to try. She has become an invaluable member of the volunteer team; reliable and dependable, she never misses a shift. She has become well settled in Skylark Ward and has also supported the Christmas Elves project, taken on a runner's role during one of the industrial action days, and extended her volunteering hours.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Alan Twiselton

Alan is the epitome of what a volunteer is, caring, open, honest, helpful, empathetic and genuine. He always puts the patient at the heart of everything he does and is a ray of sunshine. Alan gets involved with everything, from video calls to connect families with their loved ones, delivering items from the patient property collection point, accompanying discharges, or sitting with anxious patients who need a friendly face. Alan goes above and beyond on every shift, striving to make things better for others.

Clare Frost

Clare is one of our regular runners, she comes in multiple times a week, always offers support with extra shifts in the Emergency Department and with the Brew Buddy. Clare is a confident, experienced volunteer who is always happy to welcome new volunteers, proving her great leadership skills. She always brings a smile and loves having conversations with staff, volunteers, and patients. While the hospital was closed to visitors, Clare enabled loved ones to speak via video calls showing compassion and empathy with each one.

Eddie

Strausa

Eddie has been supporting ED since August 2019 and volunteers 1-2 times a week for six hours as part of our Emergency Department volunteer role. During December he volunteered outside our ED to help with those waiting under the shelter – providing them with blankets and a jolly, friendly atmosphere.

Kevin

Perryman

Kevin is an absolute asset to the department. He has been nothing short of amazing in his volunteering work. He is a natural problem solver and incredibly hard working. He is a friendly and supportive face to new arrivals in ED and sets a positive tone for patients arriving. Kevin makes drinks, provides snacks, and helped with the launch of the new Activities Trolley to help patients pass the time. Kevin has made constructive suggestions on how to help the department work in a smoother manner.

Fundraiser of the Year Award

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Michelle Clark

Michelle is very creative with the wonderfully knitted donations of baby clothes, having taken it upon herself to beautifully package them and sell them. Michelle’s tireless enthusiasm raised over an incredible £4,300 towards the Twinkling Stars appeal for new maternity bereavement facilities at KGH.

Holly Healey

Holly has put her heart and soul into supporting patients in the Special Care Baby Unit & ICU. While working on ICU, Holly led on the application for and fundraising, to create a peaceful garden area for ICU patients to enjoy the outdoors. Holly is now fundraising for the Neonatal Unit.

Beth Panter

Beth wanted to make a difference to the experience of elderly and end of life care patients. Beth’s simple, but effective, idea was to make up packs of essentials for patients on Twywell and Lamport wards, whose patients can be admitted with very few belongings. Beth sourced an amazing array of prizes for a raffle, sold raffle tickets and then purchased items for each pack.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Wouter Van’t Klooster

Wouter is an inspiration to many. He identified areas of improvement for patients on Walter Tull ward, where he works, and raised funds to make it happen. This included providing TV screens in five side rooms. Although out of the country at the time of the Northampton Half Marathon, he completed the challenge virtually whilst in Holland – now that’s commitment!

Mat Wright

Mat’s relationship with the charity started with his family donating a TV in memory of his father, as a thank you for the great care he received. From sharing our social media posts, to fundraising and actively taking part in our initiatives. Most recently Mat has taken part in Step into January fitness challenge, completing 10,000 steps a day raising over £850 for Allebone Ward, where he now works.

Liisa Davidson

Liisa is committed to improving the waiting area of Ophthalmology. Working with the Estates team on costs and putting in place fundraising initiatives, Liisa worked with the Ophthalmology team on a calendar of fundraising events. Although COVID stalled Liisa’s activities, fundraising recommenced and Liisa raised nearly £700, with changes being made.

Donna Reddington

Donna works with her team to identify initiatives which benefit the patients on Esther White. She works with the procurement team on the costs and then puts together fundraising activities to bring the ideas to life. With the support Donna has raised an amazing £3,000 from raffles for Esther White ward.

Inspirational Team Award Non-Clinical

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Medical SDEC

Over the past 2 years MSDEC/Planned Care at KGH have developed into an integral part of KGH. Their Friends and Family feedback is always incredibly positive with very few complaints. They go above and beyond to support ED and will always find solutions for issues to ensure the best outcome for our patients. They put the patient first above anything else.

Governance

This group work with such professional integrity to ensure that the divisions are supported in all aspects of governance compliance and assurance. Ensuring that the hospital and our patients are safe. They go above and beyond and never waiver in their commitment to make the improvements required. They give the assurances needed to keep patients safe and prevent regulatory enforcement action by regulators.

Project Macmillan

The team delivered this capital project during COVID on time- so that the centre could open as scheduled. The team were presented with many challenges, whether this was due to the difficulties in developing the site itself, the shortage of materials or restrictions on ways of working due to COVID. They have delivered an amazing environment to enhance the clinical and non-clinical care provided by our multi-professional teams.

Kenyan’s in Kettering

Joining KGH, it was hard for me to cope both at work and home. Encountering diverse cultures, a new working environment and having difficulty expressing myself - English is not my first language. It took a toll on me. Whenever I met with these guys, we would share a meal, talk, and share what each of us was facing and I felt I was not alone anymore. As new cohorts came into KGH, we formed a group called Kenyan’s in Kettering, whose focus is to assist any international nurse that comes from Kenya to feel at home in Kettering.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Ophthalmology Admin and Medical Secretaries (booking teams)

A year ago, Ophthalmology's unappointed position was circa 4500 patients, as we stand today that figure is 234. An outstanding achievement by both our booking centre team and line manager Martha Tull. Their tireless dedication continues to keep this figure at around 300. They have implemented some minor changes to processes which has allowed the team to book more efficiently and patients are being seen within a much shorter timeframe.

Estates Maintenance Team

The team provide a 24-7, 365 service across the hospital and are usually only called upon when things go wrong. However, they also provide statutory testing and maintenance, in the background, every day. There is not a team within the hospital they have not supported - if a light goes out, if a tap leaks, if something happens and we don't quite know who to send, it’s probably Estates who attend.

Medicine and Urgent Care Division Rota Coordinator Team

This team supports with the co-ordination and day-to-day management of the staffing rotas of over 110 junior doctors. They have worked tirelessly, endeavouring to provide support to ensure that the right number of doctors are present on the medical wards and in ED and arrange extra cover in times of high patient acuity to make sure our patients are safe and have high standards of care. The division consider the team to be a ‘hidden hero’.

Volunteer Services Team

The Volunteers Team put both patient and staff care at the forefront of their efforts. They work together in all aspects and give freely of their time. The team provide great guidance and always seem to be an inspiration to all in the hospital. They are creative in their ideas and supportive of other areas within the hospital environment.

Research and Innovation Award

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Emma

Barge

Using her IT skills and knowledge, Emma facilitated an improved way of coordinating information between clinicians and administrative staff in booking the investigation clinics. Clinicians can see patients being added to a clinic in real time, making the whole process more efficient, cutting times between checking the clinic, booking with the patient, and asking the administrative staff to add the patient to the clinic.

Respiratory Home Oxygen Virtual Ward Team

In the first 3 months of 2021, 147 patients were successfully discharged early to the COVID virtual ward. This significantly relieved the pressure on hospital bed capacity. This was a unique model which our Oxygen team developed for the first time in an NHS setting. The results were published in a major journal and formed the basis of the Oxygen virtual ward for respiratory patients (COVID and non- COVID), which is currently in operation at KGH.

John

Leivers

John's amazing work on the trust podcast is a great and innovative idea to engage with more people. It’s an excellent way to share feel-good stories from around the hospital Group. Well done, John. To anyone who hasn't heard it, you really should give it a listen.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Rapid Protect Team - Dr Jane Parker and Jane Callaghan

Having been appointed one of five hospitals to take part in the RAPID- PROTECTION study, NGH has become the first Trust in the UK to set up the trial and see its first patients. They recruited the first patient in the UK to a new research trial which aims to help immuno-compromised patients fight COVID. It is investigating the use of COVID vaccinations in combination with Evusheld, a new antibody treatment used for the prevention of COVID.

Emily Lambert

Emily is a trailblazer in research. She has led on setting up the Evidence Based Practice course for the Group, to enable nurses, midwives and AHPs to start their research journeys. She has supported applications to regional Clinical Academic Programmes and been able to secure additional funding for NGH, to support building research capacity.

Colon Capsule Team

Colon Capsule is an exciting new technique for looking at the whole colon and spares the patient having to have a full colonoscopy. They just swallow a tiny pill camera instead which is much more comfortable and convenient. This is a pilot service, run at NGH, only and has been very successful.

Parrot Study Team

The Parrot-2 study is a multi-centre trial of repeat sampling of placental growth factor in pregnant women with suspected pre-eclampsia. Ms Basak showed great tenacity in organising education sessions with multi-disciplinary groups of maternity staff. Under Ms Basak’s leadership, placental growth factor testing has become part of the diagnostic toolkit for pregnant women at NGH. Northampton has also become a nationally recognised site as the top recruiters to the Parrot-2 trial nationally.

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Sharon Smith

Sharon is an absolute treasure, an asset to KGH. My daughter has been under the care of Mr Shergill and the orthoptist team since she was six months old. During that time Sharon has always been at the end of the phone if I needed her. She is always very positive and goes above and beyond to help with any questions that I may have, and if she doesn't have the answer straight away, she always comes back to me.

Michael Macdonald

Michael is passionate in his work and is very dedicated in ensuring patients have the best experience they can. He's also a motivational manager and always ensures colleagues are happy at work, truly representing our hospital values.

Danielle Mellows

Danielle has improved the service of the the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at KGH. Her innovative approach and can-do attitude enabled us to adapt the service when face to face interactions were prohibited during COVID. Her enthusiasm and dedication supporting patients and their loved ones is inspiring and infectious. Going above and beyond, Danielle ran 7 marathons in 7 days.

Claire Knibb

Claire is absolutely someone who gets things done. She has led on many culture change initiatives I have seen implemented through the Trust, and many that improve and enhance the working environment of my team. All of which have been based on compassion for others, integrity and reliability, demonstrating openness, honesty and respect for all she works with, embracing our Trust’s diversity, ensuring that EVERYONE feels included and part of the wider hospital community.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Sandra Oliveria

Sandra has a wealth of knowledge in all things admin, as well as dialysis stock requirements which is essential on the renal ward. Sandra has trained many colleagues throughout the years, to the highest standard, with patience and compassion. Her knowledge of her role is second to none and she is exceptionally generous in sharing that knowledge.

Sarah Kinsella

Sarah has been heavily involved in a piece of work to develop a new policy for colleagues who are looking to take leave to start a family. She has driven changes that will provide colleagues with more support during challenging times and has worked to provide support above and beyond what most of the NHS, or many other employers provide. This includes additional paid leave for IVF treatments, baby loss and hospitalisation after birth.

Sally Harris

Sally is someone who inspires others to change, to be kinder and to make the workplace an environment where everyone wants to be. She always recognises when others are struggling and is an empathetic ear to turn to. A compassionate colleague with a heart of gold, no job is too big.

Rachel Stannard

I met Rachel when I was in Paddington ward. She went above and beyond, even paying for anxiety relief toys out of her own money. Rachel made a scary hospital ward feel like a safe caring environment. The work she did with me has helped me so much throughout my treatment. I want her to be recognised for the indescribable amount of care and help she gave, not just to me, but also to the other children on the ward.

Dedicated to Development, Learning and Progression Award

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Rebecca Smith

Rebecca promotes the library and our services to all when she can and has raised our profile significantly. She has transformed the tired space we had into somewhere vibrant and inviting, with the user at the heart of the space. She did this on a tiny budget and sometimes used her own resources to get the desired results. She is passionate that every single member of KGH staff should be served by our space; her enthusiasm and ideas are infectious, and we are all happy to support her in her vision.

Therapies Leadership Team

The Therapies team are committed to providing opportunities for staff to engage, learn and develop in a supportive environment. Demonstrating our commitment to our Group values, improves morale by making staff feel valued and allows us to develop and retain staff, enabling us to deliver excellent patient care. A competency framework was also developed to complement the leadership programme. Evaluation forms were completed after each session enabling feedback to be implemented.

Digital Training Team

The Digital Training Team is committed to delivering high quality training through innovative learning solutions dedicated to empowering colleagues on their digital journey. Devices were also made available for staff if they wish to do their learning at home and do not have a device. By providing volunteers with digital skills, the team allows patients who do not have the technology to spend time catching up with their loved ones through a virtual visit.

Kirsty McDonald

Kirsty has been a member of the Cellular Pathology team at KGH for over 10 years. She is now an Advanced Practitioner, undertaking Consultant level specimen dissection which has allowed our Pathologists to focus on direct patient care. Kirsty has also found the time to take on the role of Training Supervisor, sharing her skills with junior staff.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Knowledge Improvement Team

This small team has shown courage and determination to support our hospital, its staff, and patients through what has been a challenging and difficult time. Since COVID, they have learnt new skills and worked closely with our colleagues to respect their learning needs. They work tirelessly in the background and they genuinely care.

Laura Sheehan

Laura has developed a successful, growing YouTube channel for people affected by cancer in which she created and manages the content. Because of her passion for improving patient experience, the content is relevant and patient focused. Laura has a calm and supportive approach and has also encouraged staff to partake in filming and be part of patient education. Her passion for patients has driven the development of the YouTube channel.

Community Stroke Team

Working in partnership with our patients so they can live meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable lives beyond their stroke. Psychological Wellbeing Pathway reduces the wait for wellbeing assessment from 1 year to 48 hours. The team were able to see patients for ongoing wellbeing support within 7 days. This training is the first of its kind, being so successful that the East Midlands Integrated Stroke Delivery Network have rolled this out for all stroke teams to undertake across the East Midlands.

Practice Development Medicine and Urgent Care Team

A popular and well attended course which receives excellent feedback. This programme promotes best practice and equips nurses with the skills to appropriately recognise and make basic assessments of a deteriorating patient. This programme is adapted and reviewed to reflect current practice and guidance. This enables registered practitioners to feel confident with patients and, of course, puts the patient at the heart of the care.

Inspirational Clinical Team Award

Kettering General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Asthma Team

Using creative and innovative discharge criteria, the Kettering Asthma team has shown significant improvement in inpatient and outpatient care. By using the rapid access respiratory ambulatory care unit and virtual ward, it has reduced pressure on the front door, boosted asthma patients’ confidence and avoids long waiting times in ED. Their outstanding performance is reflected by their top rank in the national hospital performance monitor.

Radiology Team

This is a small but very energetic and enthusiastic team, having the lowest number of radiologists per population. Even with this small team they cover every aspect of imaging needs for the hospital and county from acute imaging, cancer imaging in all specialist areas, routine imaging, and radiological intervention. There is a culture of support, learning and celebration. Staff go beyond what is expected, always putting the patient first.

Endoscopy Team

The endoscopy team provides a high-quality service that meets its commitments to safety, efficacy, and timeliness. They also provide training for aspiring endoscopy operators and nurses - all with appropriate supervision without compromising the patient experience & safety. The department also host the bowel cancer screening service for the whole of Northamptonshire. This is a gold standard service with extremely high levels of performance and satisfaction, reducing the rates of bowel cancer for our population.

Breast Clinic Team

From the receptionists who make cups of tea for patients, to clinic nurses and health care assistants reassuring each patient, to the specialist nurses who support those with a breast cancer diagnosis, and the admin staff who make the appointments in the first place, this team is exceptional! Through COVID uncertainty, sickness, and other challenges, the team have pulled together and worked to care for patients holistically. They lead by example and support each other to maintain the standard of care in challenging circumstances.

Northampton General Hospital Shortlisted nominees

Clinical Pharmacy Team

Implementing a dedicated ward pharmacy model of care across several wards has improved patient outcomes and hospital flow. This gives named pharmacy staff who work on a ward throughout the day to order medicines, process discharge prescriptions and speak to patients and staff about medicines related issues. The impact on patient safety has been significant. The number of patient consultations has increased, resulting in more patients understanding why they take their medicines and potential side effects. The whole clinical team has pulled together to maintain the vision.

Finedon Ward

Team Finedon have had a real change in management and staff this past year. I am very proud to see the Team spirit and dedication for patients, even more so on “bad days”. Everyone is thanked daily for their time, efforts, and commitment to work. Whether clerical or medical, all staff work together and want to offer help to any duty asked of them. It’s very admirable to witness and is a real example to how positive culture can have a real impact. The team have worked incredibly hard under new management and have made and embraced several substantial changes to the way theywork. With their continued hard work and dedication to their patients and each other.

Night Practitioner Team

Responsible for the clinical safety and safe nurse staffing of the whole hospital between the hours of 19.00 to 07.30, the team are highly skilled clinical nurses who support the ward teams to provide safe care at times when there is limited resource. They need to be specialists in almost every speciality so that they can advise on a wide range of clinical and non-clinical issues. They are flexible and resilient as they manage crises and always remain positive and professional. Most NGH staff will be completely unaware of their contribution to the safety of staff and patients at night, as they do it seamlessly.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Alan Burns

Through many years of service to the NHS, Alan has used his influence, knowledge, expertise, and passion to advise and influence national policy through deep relationships with local communities and health and social care leaders. Combined with this, Alan has brought about local and national change and improvement to a range of health and social care systems by influencing national opinion, policy, and direction.

With a visionary approach, Alan has been focused on ensuring the benefits to the community through continuous improvement of health and care services, infrastructure, and system leadership. Alan became the Chair of Kettering General Hospital in 2017 and took on took on the additional chairmanship of Northampton General Hospital in 2018. He has since driven sustained change across both hospital trusts that has benefited both patients and staff through a drive for digital innovation.

More recently, Alan established the foundations of what has become the new University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group in 2021. This would not have been possible without the significant vision, passion for our communities and dedication that Alan has demonstrated and instilled in others to bring about the step-change in the county’s acute hospitals.

And finally...

Thankyou toall our colleagues for important role

Our Values

Our Excellence Awards reflect our values which were were developed by our colleagues with the involvement of patient representatives. Our values lie at the heart of everything we do and make us stand out from other organisations. You can expect us to behave in accordance with these values, whether you are workin for or with us, or being cared for by us

We are dedicated to being consistently excellent in all these areas

Compassion

We care about our patients and each other. We consistently show kindness and empathy and take the time to imagine ourselves in other people’s shoes.

Accountability

We take responsibility for our decisions, our actions and our behaviours. We do what we say we will do, when say we will do it. We acknowledge our mistakes and we learn from them.

Respect

We value each other, embrace diversity and make sure everyone feels included. We take the time to listen to, appreciate and understand the thoughts, beliefs and feelings of others.

Integrity

We are consistently open, honest and trustworthy. We can be relied upon, we stand by our values and we always strive to do the right thing.

Courage

We are to take on difficult challenges and try out new things. We find the strength ro speak up when it matters and we see potential failure as an opportunity to learn and improve.