Star Awards 2026 Event Brochure

CEREMONY Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

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Welcome We are delighted to welcome you to an evening celebrating the outstanding people and achievements across Sandwell and West Birmingham. The Star Awards is always a highlight of our year, a moment to come together and recognise the incredible people who make this organisation so special.

Tonight is a celebration of the teams and individuals whose dedication, compassion and commitment make a real difference every day. This year we received over 550 nominations, reflecting the remarkable talent across SWB. The judging panel faced an incredibly difficult task. Whether or not you take home a trophy, each of you is a winner in the eyes of your colleagues, our patients and our communities.

The past 12 months have brought progress, challenges and learning. We have continued to embed services within the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, seeing the benefits it brings for patient flow and integrated care. We were proud to mark its official Royal opening by His Majesty King Charles III, an historic moment for our organisation and the population we serve.

We have transformed how we deliver care, expanding virtual wards and hospital-to-home services, supporting more people to recover closer to home. Our focus on reducing health inequalities has strengthened, with services shaped around the needs of our communities. We have continued to develop neighbourhood and community based care, shifting towards a more proactive and preventative model.

We have invested in education and our Learning Campus, supporting the workforce of the future, and made progress on environmental sustainability, reducing carbon and enhancing green spaces. We also launched our Fit for the Future strategy, setting out a clear vision for how we will continue to transform care.

Through every challenge, our colleagues have shown extraordinary resilience, professionalism and compassion, living our values of Ambition, Respect and Compassion. Tonight, these values shine through the inspiring stories you will hear.

As you enjoy the evening, take pride in what has been achieved together. Celebrate the impact of your work and the difference you make every day.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors – Gleeds, Equans, Netcall, SoftCat, University of Wolverhampton, Richard Wolf and Mitie and Wavenet. Don’t forget to purchase your raffle tickets; all funds raised by Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals Charity will go back into improving staff wellbeing.

Let us celebrate everything that is good about this organisation and the incredible people within it.

Enjoy the awards and the celebrations that follow.

Diane Wake

Sir David Nicholson

Chief Executive

Chair 2

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Order of awards Non-Clinical Team of the Year ARC Star of the Year Best Use of Charitable Funds Rising Star of the Year Volunteer of the Year Outstanding Leader of the Year Excellence in Patient Care Greener Futures Award Excellence in Research Patient Choice Award Clinical Unsung Hero Clinical Team of the Year EDI Champion of the Year Non-Clinical Unsung Hero The Improving Together Prize for Excellence Outstanding Achievement Award CEO/Chair Award 3

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Entertainment Des Coleman Singer, actor and weather presenter, Des Coleman is a star of stage and screen.

You may recognise him from EastEnders, or perhaps you know him as our ITV News weatherman.

Des is no stranger to the stage. He began his career in 1993 performing in Chicago followed by Miss Saigon and other West End shows. He’s also appeared in TV favourites like the Bill, Casualty and Doctors. Des has won two Royal Television Society awards and has toured the UK starring as Sammy Davis Jnr in The Rat Pack. A versatile and popular performer, Des will be hosting our awards ceremony.

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Entertainment Word of Mouth Formed in 2007, Word of Mouth Events originally took the Wolverhampton Club Scene by storm. Creating innovative parties set to cutting edge themes with a bespoke House Music soundtrack.

Things moved quickly for Word of Mouth creator Stuart Ojelay as he was signed up by Hed Kandi/ Ministry of Sound which led to four years representing the brand across the globe. Using this experience Word of Mouth now has diversified into an events company that has many strings to its bow.

You can find them hosting festivals and shows across the Midlands, but tonight they are here to celebrate Star Awards 2026 with us.

Amika Barnett Get ready for a dazzling show.

Local singer, Amika, will be kicking off our Star Awards with a special performance.

Having released her debut EP, Blue Kid, and established a solid following on channels like Spotify and Instagram, Amika has gigged in venues across the city and is pleased to be opening Star Awards 2026.

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Non-Clinical Team of the Year Portering Team The portering team consistently go above and beyond to ensure the smooth running of the hospital, managing physically demanding and fast-paced workloads. They safely transport patients, deliver essential equipment, and support clinical teams under pressure, maintaining high standards even during challenging circumstances such as severe weather or urgent requests.

Rota Team Jayne and her team provide essential operational oversight across medicine and emergency departments, ensuring rotas run smoothly and acute services continue without disruption. Their dedication, flexibility, innovative and problem-solving, especially during repeated industrial action, enable colleagues to deliver excellent patient care, making their contribution vital and highly deserving of recognition.

Security Team This team has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and compassion, operating 24/7 to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors. They excel in highpressure situations, including mental health crises using vigilance, empathy, and decisive action to prevent harm and save lives.

Beyond emergency response, they maintain safety through patrols, access control, and system management.

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THE LEADER IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Equans is a market leader in sustainable regeneration, energy efficiency, technical and digital services and facilities management, along with specialist capabilities in green mobility, embedded energy and decentralised renewables.

Equans is passionate about creating vibrant, efficient and sustainable communities, by transforming healthcare facilities, homes and public buildings, and using integrated energy and services to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Equans are committed to working in partnership with Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust on the journey to Zero Carbon healthcare delivery. equans.co.uk

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ARC Star of the Year Security Team The Security Team delivers calm, compassionate and professional support every day, expertly de-escalating challenging situations and creating a safer, more reassuring environment for patients, visitors and colleagues.

Kevin Johnson, Porter Kevin’s dedication, professionalism and compassion shine through every interaction, using inclusive communication, unwavering patient advocacy and a willingness to go above and beyond to support others.

Courtney Brice, Apprentice Occupational Therapist Courtney has rapidly developed into an exceptional clinician, leading rehabilitation, supporting patients with complex needs and inspiring colleagues through proactive leadership, compassion and outstanding commitment to patient care.

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Best Use of Charitable Funds Mobile 4K Trolley at BMEC The introduction of 4K integrated theatre recording has transformed ophthalmology training, enhancing microsurgical skills development, simulation learning and patient safety through improved education and real-time surgical review.

Leukaemia and Ovarian Cancer Research Collaboration with the University of Birmingham This charitable-funded PhD programme advances vital blood cancer research, exploring immune evasion and developing new ovarian cancer therapies to improve survival outcomes for two of the most challenging cancers.

Listers Cardiovascular Research Group Funded through charity and academic partnership, this programme supports four PhD students tackling cardiovascular disease, addressing inequalities and developing innovative prevention, screening and treatment strategies across diverse populations.

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Rising Star of the Year Paul Roberts, Palliative Care Admin Manager/Systems Administrator Paul has combined innovative thinking, exceptional leadership and professional excellence to enhance patient support, improve service efficiency and raise vital funds, marking him as an outstanding NHS rising star.

Rajeet Bansel, Dispensary Coordinator Raj has rapidly become a trusted leader, inspiring colleagues through compassion, innovation and positivity while strengthening team performance and demonstrating exceptional potential for a bright NHS future.

Tanyah Baker, Urology Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Tanyah’s outstanding compassion, dedication and willingness to go above and beyond has strengthened urology services, supported patients and safeguarded care while making an exceptional early impact.

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Volunteer of the Year Jessica Syvonnes Jessica’s resilience, leadership and positivity have strengthened Volunteer Services, supporting new volunteers, enhancing patient feedback and improving experiences while inspiring colleagues through her dedication and commitment.

Martin Boyle Martin’s outstanding reliability, initiative and professionalism enrich Volunteer Services, supporting events, mentoring new volunteers and consistently going above and beyond to enhance patient and volunteer experiences.

Yvonne Potter Yvonne’s exceptional leadership, organisation and support empowers volunteers, maintains high standards and enhances patient experience, making her an invaluable and trusted presence across Volunteer Services.

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Outstanding Leader of the Year Atul Malik, Clinical Director – Trauma and Orthopaedics Atul’s inspirational leadership transformed Orthopaedics, dramatically reducing waiting times, increasing theatre productivity, pioneering robotic surgery and uniting teams to deliver outstanding patient outcomes and service improvement.

Kerry Trowell, Professional Lead – Nutrition and Dietetics Kerry combines clinical excellence with compassionate leadership, driving service innovation, strengthening governance, improving patient access and empowering teams to deliver safe, responsive and high-quality nutrition care.

Sarah Oley, Clinical Directorate Lead – ibeds Sarah’s transformative leadership inspires trust, develops future leaders and creates an inclusive culture where staff thrive, services flourish and exceptional patient care remains at the heart of every decision.

Jane Owen, Catering Manager Jane’s compassionate leadership has strengthened catering services through innovation, operational excellence and staff development, delivering major efficiencies while creating an engaged, high-performing team focused on outstanding patient care.

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Excellence in Patient Care Connected Palliative Care Team For ten years, the Connected Palliative Care Team has delivered compassionate, innovative end-oflife care, advancing education, collaboration and service improvements while supporting patients, families and colleagues every day.

Intrapartum Leadership Team Through exceptional teamwork and leadership, Lilian, Zulekha, Amelia and Michaelene transformed intrapartum care, delivering major service improvements while enhancing safety, capacity and personalised experiences for families.

Kathleen McAteer, Drug Specialist Nurse Kathleen has transformed care for vulnerable patients through compassionate advocacy, specialist expertise and innovative practice, improving safety, reducing inequalities and ensuring respectful, seamless support across the hospital and community.

Stroke Assessment Nurses Team The Stroke Service combines innovation, clinical excellence and compassionate teamwork to deliver faster, safer, person-centred care, transforming outcomes through pioneering pathways and inspirational leadership when every second counts.

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We’re not just a construction consultancy, we’re a catalyst for change Since 1875, Gleeds has been bringing to life new ideas and big visions for the built environment.

In today’s fast-changing world, we are continually connecting people, places, ideas and possibilities to make every day another step towards a better future. gleeds.com

Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

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Greener Futures Award IT Green Team The IT Green Team has transformed sustainability through practical innovation, reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling and embedding greener everyday practices that deliver lasting environmental benefits across the Trust.

Theatres The SWB Green Theatres Group has championed sustainable innovation, introducing reusable solutions and greener anaesthetic practices that reduce waste, cut costs and strengthen resilient, environmentally responsible patient care.

Head of Clinical Products Management Clare’s exceptional leadership has turned NHS Net Zero ambitions into action, driving procurement innovation and transitioning high-volume clinical products to reusable alternatives, delivering measurable carbon reductions and sustainable change.

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Prize for Excellence in Research Leukaemia and Ovarian Cancer Research Collaboration with the University of Birmingham This pioneering partnership is advancing translational cancer research, developing innovative therapies and addressing unmet needs to improve outcomes for diverse communities across the West Midlands and beyond.

Listers Cardiovascular Research Group Through groundbreaking research and academic collaboration, the Listers Cardiovascular Research Group is tackling health inequalities, advancing cardiovascular care and shaping future treatments for diverse communities.

Breast Screening – Health Promotions Team The Health Promotions Team used innovative research to understand barriers to breast screening, strengthening community partnerships, reducing inequalities and improving access, engagement and future patient outcomes.

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Patient Choice Award Ward B9 – Acute Elderly Care Katie and the team provided exceptional compassion and dignity, creating precious final memories and they supported a family with kindness and ensuring every moment of their mum’s final hours was filled with comfort.

Gastroenterology Nursing Team Jo, Kath and Jess in the Gastro Nursing Team combine outstanding professionalism with unwavering compassion, delivering exceptional patient-centred care that provides reassurance, advocacy and dignity throughout the most challenging cancer journeys.

ICU Outreach Team The outreach team delivers expert, compassionate care, listening to families, responding rapidly and providing reassurance that transforms outcomes for vulnerable patients when timely intervention matters most.

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Clinical Unsung Hero Maureen (Mo) Badger, Assistant Practitioner For 16 years, Mo has delivered compassionate therapy, expert discharge planning and outstanding mentorship, leaving a lasting legacy across medical wards and multidisciplinary teams.

Sarah Hurst, Ward Manager Sarah transformed the Emergency Department through exceptional leadership, governance expertise and commitment, improving patient safety, staff wellbeing and continuous learning every day.

Sophie Whiles, Occupational Therapy Lead for Critical Care and Surgeries Sophie relentlessly champions patients, drives rehabilitation excellence, challenges for better outcomes and supports colleagues, delivering compassionate care while inspiring improvement across ICU and surgery.

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Clinical Team of the Year Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre BMEC delivered a standout year of clinical excellence and innovation, earning a ‘Good’ CQC rating. They cut their backlog by over 40 per cent while maintaining strong outcomes and staff wellbeing.

Their research, education, and global outreach work further demonstrate a team whose leadership, teamwork, and compassion continue to elevate patient care locally and internationally.

Learning Disability Team Dawn, Lee and Charlotte have transformed the Learning Disability service with their energy, kindness, and visible support. Updated pathways, policies, and new ways of working have strengthened care and staff confidence.

Their collaborative approach ensures patients with learning disabilities and autism feel understood, supported, and genuinely heard.

Trauma and Orthopaedics The team has delivered major improvements, eliminating 52‑week waits, reducing the waiting list, and increasing theatre productivity.

Innovations such as robotic surgery, the Virtual Fracture Clinic, and enhanced recovery have improved access, experience, and outcomes.

The multidisciplinary team have achieved a ‘Good’ CQC rating, highlighting them as a high performing, forward thinking team.

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EDI Champion of the Year Careers and Employability Team The Careers and Employability Team has transformed lives through apprenticeships, education and employment, creating opportunities, developing future NHS talent and strengthening communities through innovation, partnership and inclusion.

Herpal Mann, Consultant Midwife and Sharon Gibbs, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Patient Experience Lead Midwife Herpal and Sharon’s leadership has broken down barriers to maternity care, building trust, improving health literacy and championing equitable access for women and families across diverse communities.

The ED Hospital Project partnered with Newbigin Community Trust The teams compassionate support has transformed the Emergency Department experience, reducing anxiety, improving patient dignity and enhancing staff wellbeing through outstanding community partnership and care.

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Non-Clinical Unsung Hero Anser Khan, Security Officer Anser’s 18 years of dedicated service combine outstanding security leadership, staff support, mental health advocacy and community representation, creating a safer, more inclusive Trust.

Pritiben Narshi, Chief Pharmacy Technician – Operations Pritiben’s inspirational leadership transformed pharmacy services through major operational change, delivering excellence while supporting colleagues with extraordinary compassion, resilience and commitment.

Chris Smith, Contract Performance Manager Chris’s exceptional dedication keeps vital facilities running seamlessly, consistently going above and beyond while supporting colleagues and delivering outstanding service without seeking recognition.

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The Improving Together Prize for Excellence Dakota Johnson and Joshua Murphie, Performance and Insight Team Joshua and Dakota created an innovative BI dashboard for perinatal services, improving visibility of performance data, standardising reporting and enabling insight-led conversations that drive continuous improvement in patient care.

Elly Sutch, Specialist Midwife Newborn Screening Elly has transformed the NIPE service through structured, evidence-based improvement, ensuring newborn examinations within 24 hours, improving patient flow, supporting timely discharge and enhancing reassurance for families.

Sarah Concannon, Promoting Independence Clinical Lead Sarah demonstrates a strong improvement mindset, applying structured methodologies to enhance patient independence through Eat, Move, Dress, improving outcomes, dignity, recovery speed and reducing hospital length of stay.

Natalie Bullock, Matron Natalie leads improvement from the front, embedding psychological safety, empowering teams through huddles and improvement thinking, driving staff-led solutions that enhance teamwork, patient experience and service transformation.

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Outstanding Achievement Award

This year’s Outstanding Achievement Award honours an individual or team whose exceptional dedication has made a remarkable impact across our organisation. Their commitment to excellence, combined with their focus on improving patient care have set a standard that inspires colleagues at Sandwell and West Birmingham.

They represent the very best of who we are, and what we strive to achieve for our patients, our communities, and each other.

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CEO/Chair Award

This award is presented to an individual or team who has made a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of patients, carers or the public in the Sandwell and West Birmingham community.

The award winner will have demonstrated how they have been instrumental in caring for patients and exhibiting our Trust values in all they do.

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Thank you to our sponsors

mitie Mitie are delighted to be a sponsor at the Trust’s Star Awards and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all award nominees and winners.

Mitie are proud to work in collaboration with the Trust to provide high quality care.

To learn more about the UK's leading facilities management company please scan the QR code.

GOODNIGHT

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

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