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Caring Better Together AWARDS BROCHURE 2026

Caring Better Together Awards 2026 | University Hospitals Tees

WELCOME

Dear guests, Thank you for joining us this evening at our first ever University Hospitals Tees ‘Caring Better Together’ awards. You are very welcome, and we hope that you enjoy an evening of celebration with all of our winners and runners up. Those shortlisted have been nominated by both our staff and our patients. The details and quality of submissions has been outstanding, so a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to that. These awards are our response to hearing our colleagues via our staff survey and other engagement sessions telling us about the importance of reward and recognition. We know how passionate our people are, and how much they dedicate to our patients and our communities. Having a space to recognise this is vital, and tonight we start that journey as UHT. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to tonight – our entertainment, our colleagues at Teesside University, our presenters and our guests. We hope to see you back again next year, with an even bigger and better event to continue the recognition of all that our staff contribute to the health and care landscape across our communities. For now, enjoy your evening and help us to celebrate our staff as the evening unfolds.

Stacey Hunter Chief executive officer University Hospitals Tees

Dear guests, We welcome you to our University Hospitals Tees ‘Caring Better Together’ awards. Since we moved into our group space in early 2024, we have worked to ensure that collaboration and delivering the very best outcomes for our patients continues to remain our number one priority. These awards are a real testament to staff, services and teams who are dedicated to bringing our communities together with their ambition for health and care across Teesside, North Yorkshire and parts of County Durham. Please enjoy the evening as we celebrate the very best of our staff, amid the very best of company.

Professor Derek Bell, OBE Chair University Hospitals Tees

THE CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD Presented by: Mike Stewart, chief medical officer Ali Wilson, non-executive director

This award will be presented to an individual or team who has gone above and beyond to improve patient outcomes and service delivery, demonstrating clinical innovation, collaboration, deep compassion, and respect. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Respect “Treating others as we would wish to be treated, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, and delivering the best possible care.”

NOMINEES Dr Chris Wells – Consultant gastroenterologist Dr Chris Wells combines exceptional clinical expertise with outstanding compassion, delivering truly personcentred care for patients with complex needs and providing reassurance to families during some of their most challenging experiences. Through his specialist knowledge, attentive listening and commitment to treating every individual with dignity, kindness and respect, he ensures care is tailored to what matters most to each patient. By consistently combining clinical excellence with genuine humanity, he has made a profound difference to the wellbeing and experience of those in his care, making him highly deserving of recognition.

COPD team The COPD Team has demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving care for patients with chronic respiratory disease through innovation, collaboration and clinical excellence. Initiatives including the OPTIMISE project, targeted specialist clinics and an oxygen weaning pathway have improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital admissions and enabled more people to be safely supported within their communities. By proactively identifying patients at risk of deterioration and delivering compassionate care, the team has achieved measurable benefits for patients, families and the wider healthcare system, making them highly deserving of recognition.

Lindsey Sorlie – foot and ankle specialist practitioner Lindsey has demonstrated exceptional clinical excellence and compassion in supporting patients through complex orthopaedic and reconstructive recoveries. Through expert clinical assessment, meticulous monitoring and clear, empathetic communication, she ensures patients feel informed, reassured and actively involved in their care at every stage. By providing continuity across clinical teams and combining specialist expertise with a genuinely caring approach, Lindsey has made a significant impact on both patient outcomes and experience, making her highly deserving of recognition. 3

Caring Better Together Awards 2026 | University Hospitals Tees

LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE AWARD Presented by: Rachael Metcalf, chief people officer Mark Dias, non-executive director This award honours an individual/team championing a safe, inclusive workplace where staff feel safe, valued and empowered. By driving positive change through a culture of deep mutual respect, they directly elevate the patient experience to deliver compassionate, high quality care. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Respect “Treating others as we would wish to be treated, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, and delivering the best possible care.”

NOMINEES Aethele Khunda – consultant gynaecologist and clinical director of gynaecology services Aethele has demonstrated outstanding leadership during a pivotal period for gynaecology services, successfully leading the integration of teams across University Hospitals Tees. Through his inclusive, approachable and collaborative leadership style, he has brought colleagues together while driving significant improvements in patient care, including reduced waiting times, improved theatre utilisation and more efficient models of care. A passionate advocate for multidisciplinary working, education and research, Aethele has championed specialist nursing roles, supported regional training opportunities and helped develop innovative services that have improved access to treatment across the region. Calm, respected and widely trusted, he inspires colleagues to innovate, contribute and strive for excellence, creating a positive culture that delivers lasting benefits for both staff and patients.

Therapeutic care support worker team The therapeutic care support worker team at The James Cook University Hospital provides outstanding leadership, compassion and support for some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients. Working across every adult ward, they respond to complex and unpredictable situations with professionalism, resilience and empathy, while creating a culture where staff feel valued, supported and empowered. Highly respected across the organisation, the team works collaboratively with clinical colleagues, security, liaison psychiatry and wider services to ensure patients receive safe, dignified and person-centred care. They champion staff wellbeing, lead by example in challenging situations and actively drive service improvement and innovation. Their commitment to teamwork, inclusion and compassionate leadership has made a lasting difference to both patient experience and staff wellbeing, embodying the very best of University Hospitals Tees’ values.

COMPASSION AND RESPECT Presented by: Emma Nunez, chief nursing officer Miriam Davidson, non-executive director This award honours an individual or team who puts patients at the heart of their own healthcare. They demonstrate consistent empathy, compassion and respect within their role, listen without judgement, honour patient choice and overcome challenges, to ensure every individual is treated with the dignity they deserve. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Respect “Treating others as we would wish to be treated, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, and delivering the best possible care.”

NOMINEES Dr Chidambara Harikumar, consultant neonatologist and paediatrician Dr Harikumar has dedicated his career to supporting premature babies and their families with exceptional compassion, expertise and kindness. He combines outstanding clinical care with a genuine commitment to helping children achieve the best possible future. One former patient, born 14 weeks premature and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, credits Dr Harikumar’s care and encouragement with helping them build the confidence to thrive, pursue higher education and achieve their ambitions. Decades later, he still remembered their journey and took a personal interest in their progress, demonstrating the lasting impact he has on those he cares for. Families consistently praise his warmth, clear communication and ability to involve them in decisions about care. By ensuring parents feel informed, supported and empowered during difficult times, Dr Harikumar makes a lasting difference to countless lives and exemplifies the very best of compassionate healthcare.

Shiva Sathanandam, consultant in acute medicine Shiva consistently demonstrates exceptional compassion, kindness and respect, placing patients and their families at the heart of every decision. He takes time to listen, explain complex information clearly and ensure people feel heard, valued and involved in their care. His commitment to patient-centred care is reflected in the organisation and appreciation he receives from patients, relatives and colleagues alike. What sets Shiva apart is his unwavering dedication to going above and beyond. Even in the busiest and most challenging circumstances, he remains approachable, supportive and willing to give his time to others. One family described how he not only cared for their loved one, but supported and reassured the whole family throughout a difficult period, ensuring the patient’s wishes remained central to every decision. Respected as both an outstanding clinician and a valued colleague, Shiva’s kindness, professionalism and genuine concern for others make a lasting difference every day and embody the very best of compassionate healthcare.

Caring Better Together Awards 2026 | University Hospitals Tees

PATIENT’S CHOICE AWARD Presented by: Jackie White, director of corporate affairs Dave Gallagher, non-executive director This award celebrates an individual or team who lives our UHT values of respect, support and collaboration, making an exceptional difference to a patient’s experience. They provide compassionate, dignified care and work in partnership with patients and colleagues to achieve the best possible outcomes. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Respect Treating others as we would wish to be treated, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, and delivering the best possible care.”

NOMINEES Peter Craggy, senior audiologist Peter has made an extraordinary difference to the lives of patients through nearly four decades of dedicated audiology care. Combining professional expertise with genuine kindness, he has supported countless people to build confidence and overcome the challenges associated with hearing loss. One patient, who lost their hearing at the age of eight, credits Peter with helping shape the person they are today. By taking time to listen, explain, encourage and reassure, he helped them see that hearing loss need not limit their ambitions. His support provided confidence during childhood and has remained a source of inspiration throughout their adult life. What sets Peter apart is the lasting relationships he builds with those in his care. Even decades later, patients continue to seek him out because they know they will be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. His influence extends far beyond hearing care, helping people believe in themselves and achieve their full potential.

Ward 27, The James Cook University Hospital Ward 27 delivers exceptional person-centred care, creating an environment where every patient feels safe, respected and genuinely valued. During two admissions spanning four weeks, the team consistently demonstrated compassion, professionalism and a remarkable commitment to meeting individual needs. Staff went above and beyond to adapt care for a patient with a condition that made it difficult to recognise complications, proactively monitoring and managing risks while ensuring they remained fully involved in decisions about their care. They advocated on the patient’s behalf, coordinated services effectively and kept them informed throughout their treatment. Despite caring for a patient in a side room, the team ensured they never felt isolated or forgotten, taking time for meaningful conversations and regular check-ins. The consistency shown by nurses, healthcare assistants, doctors, domestic and catering staff reflected a culture of kindness, teamwork and excellence that left a lasting impression and restored the patient’s faith in the NHS.

BEHIND THE SCENES AWARD Presented by: Russell Nightingale, chief delivery officer Diane French, non-executive director

This award recognises an individual or team in a non-clinical role who goes above and beyond to support services across UHT. They demonstrate respect, support and collaboration, helping colleagues deliver the best possible care for patients. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Support “Being kind and helping others meet their needs.”

NOMINEES Dawn Jones, clinical care coordinator Dawn plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive safe, timely and well-coordinated care while supporting colleagues across the organisation. Her expertise, approachability and calm, solution-focused attitude make her a trusted source of guidance in complex discharge situations. Working closely with patients, families, ward teams, community services and external partners, she consistently goes above and beyond to overcome barriers and achieve the best possible outcomes. She advocates for patients, ensuring their individual needs, wishes and concerns remain central to discharge planning and decision making. Equally valued by colleagues, she willingly shares her knowledge, supports others through challenging situations and helps foster effective multidisciplinary working. Her compassion, professionalism and commitment to collaboration embody University Hospitals Tees’ Caring Better Together values. Through her dedication and teamwork, she makes a lasting positive difference to patients, families and staff every day.

UHT events, conferences and commercial team The events, education and training team plays a vital role in supporting colleagues through the delivery of high quality education, training and events. Working in a fast-paced environment, the team consistently goes above and beyond, responding to changing priorities and complex challenges with professionalism, flexibility and dedication. Their commitment is exemplified through the successful delivery of the European Trauma Course, a complex international programme requiring meticulous planning, coordination and problem solving. By managing every aspect seamlessly, they enable clinicians and educators to focus on learning and development. Known for their welcoming approach and strong collaborative relationships, the team creates outstanding experiences for delegates and colleagues alike. Through their dedication to workforce development, they help staff gain the skills and confidence needed to deliver excellent patient care, making a lasting impact across the organisation.

Caring Better Together Awards 2026 | University Hospitals Tees

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Presented by: Stacey Hunter, chief executive officer Professor Derek Bell, chair This award celebrates a long-serving colleague who has made a lasting contribution to patient care, service delivery and innovation across University Hospitals Tees. Through their compassion, dedication and support, they have strengthened services and created a meaningful legacy for patients and colleagues alike. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Support “Being kind and helping others meet their needs.”

NOMINEES Paul Ballard, consultant gynaecologist Paul Ballard, consultant gynaecologist, has made an exceptional contribution to patient care, service development and medical education during more than 26 years at South Tees. A recognised leader in urogynaecology, he played a key role in developing the service into a tertiary referral centre, establishing specialist pathways, multidisciplinary working and innovative services that continue to benefit patients across the region. Alongside his clinical achievements, Paul has inspired and supported generations of obstetricians and gynaecologists through his mentorship, teaching and commitment to developing others. His influence extends beyond South Tees through his contributions to research, education and sustainable healthcare. As he approaches retirement, his legacy can be seen in the services he helped build, the professionals he trained and the countless patients whose care has been improved through his dedication, leadership and vision.

Karen Mackenzie, community matron Karen has dedicated 34 years to caring for patients and supporting colleagues, spending most of her career in community nursing. A trusted and familiar presence to countless patients and families, she has provided compassionate care during some of life’s most challenging moments, helping people feel safe, listened to and supported in their own homes. Karen played a key role in establishing the community matron service, helping transform care for patients with complex needs outside hospital settings. She has also mentored generations of student and newly qualified nurses, sharing her knowledge, experience and compassion to help others grow in confidence and develop their careers. Known for her kindness, humility and commitment to others, Karen has left a lasting legacy through the patients she has cared for, the colleagues she has supported and the services she has helped shape throughout her remarkable career.

RISING STAR AWARD Presented by: Neil Atkinson, managing director David Redpath, non-executive director

This award honours a newer member of staff – or someone newly stepping into a role – who has quickly become an invaluable part of their team. They demonstrate exceptional willingness to learn, embrace challenges with confidence, and excel in active listening and collaboration. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Support “Being kind and helping others meet their needs.”

NOMINEES Angela Chapman, trainee clinical support worker Angela, trainee clinical support worker on ward 32 at the University Hospital of North Tees, has made an exceptional impact since joining the team in October 2025. Through her empathy, compassion and dedication, she consistently delivers person-centred care, treating every patient with dignity, respect and kindness while providing invaluable emotional support to those living with dementia and delirium. Angela has quickly become a trusted and valued member of the ward team, working collaboratively with colleagues, escalating concerns appropriately and building strong relationships across the multidisciplinary team. Alongside her role, she is successfully undertaking an apprenticeship and studying for additional qualifications, demonstrating outstanding commitment to learning and professional development. Known for her positive attitude and strong work ethic, Angela brings calmness and reassurance to even the busiest shifts. Her professionalism, compassion and willingness to learn have already made a significant difference to patients and colleagues, marking her out as a healthcare professional with a bright future ahead.

Laura Pierre, district nursing sister Laura, district nursing sister, has quickly become an invaluable member of the community nursing team. Despite only recently qualifying in her role, she has repeatedly stepped forward to support services under pressure, volunteering to join teams experiencing staffing challenges and taking responsibility for a large and complex caseload to provide stability for patients, colleagues and the wider service. A natural leader, Laura remains calm under pressure, supporting staff through busy shifts, leading safety huddles and helping coordinate safe staffing arrangements. She is passionate about service improvement, leading work to support students and new starters while actively contributing ideas to enhance patient care and team effectiveness. Her commitment to quality is further demonstrated through her support for STAQC preparation, ensuring colleagues have the training and guidance needed to succeed. Through her dedication, teamwork and willingness to go above and beyond, Laura makes a significant and lasting difference to community services every day.

Caring Better Together Awards 2026 | University Hospitals Tees

THE HEART AND SOUL OF UHT Presented by: Rachael Metcalf, chief people officer Mark Dias, non-executive director This award celebrates an individual who truly embodies the human spirit of UHT – someone who lives our values of respect, support, and collaborate with genuine warmth and authenticity. They represent the heart and soul of our organisation, bringing kindness, joy and compassion into every interaction. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Support “Being kind and helping others meet their needs.”

NOMINEES Bernadette Millward, specialised therapy assistant (physiotherapy) Bernadette, specialised paediatric therapy assistant, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure children and their families receive the very best care and support. Working with children who often have complex needs, she combines compassion, determination and advocacy to make a lasting difference to their lives. She takes time to understand each child and family, ensuring they feel listened to, valued and supported. Working closely with colleagues, partner organisations and charities, Bernadette tirelessly secures the equipment and resources children need, refusing to let barriers limit opportunities or quality of life. Her persistence has helped families access life-changing support that would otherwise have been out of reach. Known for her warmth, positivity and willingness to help, Bernadette is loved by patients, families and colleagues alike. Whether coordinating support, sourcing equipment or offering reassurance, she consistently exceeds expectations. Her dedication, kindness and commitment make her an invaluable member of the team and a true embodiment of University Hospitals Tees’ values.

Stacey Beckett, outpatient co-ordinator Stacey consistently goes above and beyond to enhance the experience of patients and families on the spinal ward and HDU. Driven by compassion and a commitment to person-centred care, she regularly gives her own time to organise activities that bring joy, connection and a sense of normality to patients during long hospital stays. From film nights and quizzes to karaoke afternoons and family fun days, Stacey creates opportunities for patients, relatives and staff to come together, helping to lift morale and make difficult circumstances more manageable. She has also supported fundraising initiatives and worked closely with Our Hospitals Charity to benefit patient services. Known for her enthusiasm, kindness and positivity, Stacey is a valued member of the team whose efforts are eagerly appreciated by patients and colleagues alike. Her dedication makes a lasting difference to the wellbeing of those she supports and the wider ward community.

TEAM OF THE YEAR Presented by: Mike Stewart, chief medical officer Emma Nunez, chief nursing officer This award celebrates a team that works together to achieve shared goals, values every contribution and fosters a supportive, inclusive culture. Through collaboration, innovation and commitment, they overcome challenges, deliver excellent outcomes and make a lasting difference across the organisation. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Collaborate “Working together as a team towards shared goals, across services and organisations, respecting other’s views and building trusting relationships.”

NOMINEES Alcohol care and substance team The alcohol care team and substance team provide outstanding support to some of the organisation’s most vulnerable patients, combining specialist expertise with compassion, dignity and a non-judgemental approach. Working across the hospital, they manage complex clinical and social challenges, including dependence, withdrawal, mental health needs, safeguarding concerns and homelessness. What sets the team apart is their persistence and commitment to helping patients engage with support, recognising that even small steps can lead to life-changing outcomes. They work closely with ward teams, pharmacy, mental health, safeguarding, discharge services and community organisations to deliver seamless, care and improve long-term outcomes. The team’s supportive culture, collaborative approach and dedication to reducing harm make a lasting difference to patients, colleagues and the wider organisation.

Breast unit, University Hospital of North Tees The breast unit delivers outstanding patient-centred care, providing expert support, reassurance and treatment to patients at one of the most challenging times in their lives. Through exceptional teamwork and collaboration, the multidisciplinary team ensures patients receive timely, safe and compassionate care while feeling heard, respected and supported throughout their journey. The team is committed to continuous improvement, enhancing patient pathways, reducing delays and improving access to services. Their inclusive culture encourages collaboration, shared learning and mutual support, with every team member empowered to contribute to delivering the highest standards of care. Through their compassion, professionalism and dedication to excellence, the breast unit makes a lasting difference to patients, colleagues and the wider organisation.

Caring Better Together Awards 2026 | University Hospitals Tees

INNOVATION AND RESEARCH Presented by: Neil Atkinson, managing director David Redpath, non-executive director This award recognises an individual or team that brings people together across services to improve outcomes and drive meaningful change. Nominees will demonstrate innovation, research or service improvement that enhances the quality, safety or experience of care across University Hospitals Tees. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Collaborate “Working together as a team towards shared goals, across services and organisations, respecting other’s views and building trusting relationships.”

NOMINEES Charlotte Ashton and Tony Alton, consultant neonatologist and clinical technologist Within the neonate service, the neonatal chest drain training kit project has transformed the way clinicians learn a high-risk but essential neonatal procedure. Recognising the limitations of improvised training models, the neonate team worked closely with medical physics colleagues to develop an innovative simulation device that provides realistic, repeatable and ethically sustainable training where no commercial alternative existed. The model is now used on the organisation’s ‘advanced resuscitation of the newborn infant’ (ARNI) course, receiving outstanding feedback from participants. All trainees reported that it accurately represented a preterm infant’s anatomy and improved their ability to identify key landmarks and practise chest drain insertion safely. The device was overwhelmingly preferred to previous training methods and has since become commercially available, enabling wider adoption beyond University Hospitals Tees. By combining clinical expertise, innovation and collaboration, the team has created a solution that enhances training quality, improves clinician confidence and ultimately contributes to safer care for vulnerable newborn patients.

Kathryn Langman, senior departmental physiotherapist The multidisciplinary chronic pain service, led by Kathryn and colleagues, has transformed care for young people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, many of whom also have hypermobility and neurodivergence. Recognising that patients often felt unheard and unsupported, the team developed a holistic, multidisciplinary approach that places individual needs, preferences and experiences at the centre of care. Working closely with patients and families, the team used feedback and outcome data to shape a flexible range of evidence-based interventions. Patients consistently report feeling listened to, understood and treated as individuals rather than a collection of symptoms. Supporting more than 400 patients, the service has achieved high levels of satisfaction and improved outcomes through collaboration across community and secondary care services. Its innovative approach has been recognised nationally and provides a unique model for supporting a vulnerable group of young people who often fall between traditional services.

SERVICE TRANSFORMATION AWARD Presented by: Matt Neligan, chief strategy officer Professor Derek Bell, chair Working together across services and organisations, building trusted relationships and achieving shared goals. This award honours an individual or team who leads meaningful transformation across University Hospitals Tees, tackling complex challenges to improve patient care and staff experience. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Collaborate “Working together as a team towards shared goals, across services and organisations, respecting other’s views and building trusting relationships.”

NOMINEES Ambulatory pleural clinic respiratory department, The James Cook University Hospital The ambulatory pleural clinic respiratory department has transformed the care of patients with pneumothorax by creating a dedicated pathway where none previously existed. Recognising that follow-up patients were causing delays and pressure within the pleural clinic, the team developed a structured ambulatory service with clear referral criteria, follow-up processes and outpatient management pathways. Despite limited capacity and competing clinical demands, the service has grown significantly, with patient activity tripling over the past three years and an estimated 245 inpatient bed days saved annually through safe outpatient management. The new pathway has also eliminated pneumothorax-related double bookings in the pleural clinic, improving efficiency, clinic flow and patient experience. The success of the service reflects the team’s innovation, determination and collaborative approach. Through continuous evaluation, multidisciplinary working and ongoing refinement of processes, they have delivered a sustainable improvement that benefits patients, clinicians and the wider organisation.

Hambleton and Richmondshire urgent community response nurses This team provides an outstanding 24-hour, 365-day urgent community response service, delivering compassionate care to patients across Hambleton and Richmondshire. Despite significant increases in workload, the team has embraced new ways of working, strengthened communication and worked closely with partner services to ensure patients continue to receive timely, high quality care. Strong relationships with community nursing, therapies, palliative care and hospital at home services enable seamless support for patients with complex needs. The team is committed to continuous improvement, adopting new technologies, developing skills and willingly supporting colleagues across services. Equally impressive is the supportive culture they have created. Team members mentor new colleagues, support one another through challenges and consistently receive excellent feedback from patients and families. Their dedication, resilience and teamwork make a lasting difference to the communities they serve.

Caring Better Together Awards 2026 | University Hospitals Tees

STRONGER TOGETHER/CONNECTED CARE AWARD Presented by: Ruth Dalton, director of communications David Gallagher, non-executive director This award honours an individual or team who champions our commitment to caring better together through exceptional partnership working. They build trusted relationships across organisational boundaries, strengthening services and improving the experience of care for patients. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Collaborate “Working together as a team towards shared goals, across services and organisations, respecting other’s views and building trusting relationships.”

NOMINEES Joanne Mulholland and the North East and North Cumbria Paediatric Critical Care and Surgery in Children Operational Delivery Network This individual has demonstrated exceptional leadership, determination and collaboration in improving services for children and young people across the region. Through strong relationship-building with provider trusts, regional networks and national partners, they have championed innovative approaches to managing demand, improving patient safety and enabling more children to receive care closer to home, avoiding unnecessary transfers out of the region. Their achievements include developing regional bed dashboards and daily situation reporting processes, establishing mutual support frameworks between organisations, creating multi-agency working groups and leading regional training initiatives. Drawing on learning from national programmes and promoting collaboration across organisations, they have driven meaningful service improvements that have strengthened winter planning, enhanced communication and delivered better outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Specialist stop smoking service The Hartlepool specialist stop smoking service is an outstanding partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and University Hospitals Tees, bringing together community reach and NHS expertise to help local people improve their health. Through strong collaboration with primary care, ambulance services, mental health teams, cancer services, family hubs and community organisations, the team has created seamless referral pathways and made stop smoking support easier to access than ever before. Delivering services from community venues across Hartlepool, the team offers flexible support tailored to individual needs, including face-to-face clinics, telephone consultations, home visits and workplace-based programmes. This community-focused approach has helped remove barriers to access and reach people with some of the greatest health inequalities. In its first year, 736 people set a quit date through the service, with 45% successfully achieving the four-week quit milestone. By combining compassion, partnership working and evidence-based support, the team is making a measurable difference to the health and wellbeing of communities across Hartlepool.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Presented by: Professor Derek Bell, chair

This award recognises a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution within our hospitals and communities. Through their dedication, reliability and willingness to help others, they have enhanced the experience of patients at their most vulnerable time, families and visitors and supported colleagues. This award represents our University Hospitals Tees value: Collaborate “Working together as a team towards shared goals, across services and organisations, respecting other’s views and building trusting relationships.”

NOMINEES Carol Grainger, volunteer Carol has made an outstanding contribution through five years of dedicated volunteering. Supporting patients, families and staff on ward 29 and in main outpatients, she is known for her warmth, positivity and willingness to help, often providing companionship and reassurance to those who need it most. Carol consistently goes above and beyond, assisting patients with meals, supporting anxious visitors, helping clinical teams and mentoring new volunteers. She also contributes to medical student training, helping to support future doctors. Her compassion, commitment and infectious enthusiasm make a lasting difference to everyone she meets and embody the very best of NHS volunteering.

Elaine Ashwell, volunteer Elaine has made a remarkable difference through her dedication, creativity and compassion since becoming a volunteer in 2019. Using her teaching experience, she developed arts and crafts activities that help patients on elderly care and stroke wards improve wellbeing, social interaction and confidence, while creating artwork enjoyed by patients, families and staff. Despite personal health challenges, Elaine continues to go above and beyond, supporting community projects, helping raise funds for volunteer services and inspiring patients through imaginative, engaging activities. Her enthusiasm, kindness and commitment have enriched the lives of countless patients and made her a valued member of the volunteer team.

Janet Gordon, volunteer Janet has made an exceptional impact since becoming a therapeutic care volunteer in 2024. A dedicated and compassionate member of ward 3, she regularly volunteers several days a week, providing companionship, reassurance and practical support to patients while always looking for ways to help staff and colleagues. Known for her warmth, positivity and willingness to go the extra mile, Janet has become a trusted and valued member of the ward team. She has also taken on the role of volunteer champion, helping new volunteers settle into their roles with confidence and enthusiasm. Her kindness, reliability and selfless commitment make a meaningful difference every day and embody the very best of volunteering within the NHS. 15