Kind, Connected and Bold Award winners

Good Hope Hospital

Radiology Team

For the team's commitment to supporting colleagues, even under pressure. The team consistently go above and beyond in organising tests and ensuring exceptional patient care.

Roshni Lad, Ward Clerk, Therapy Services

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Roshni has always shown so much enthusiasm and a drive to work. She has always been very empathetic towards patients and staff. After her diagnosis and surgery, Roshni returned to work with more motivation and passion. She completed the UHB Sunrise Snowdonia Trek to fundraise for the hospital and took part in the Moonwalk London, walking 26.2 miles for breast cancer. Roshni is an example that, regardless of what life throws your way, you can still pick yourself up and strive to be the best at what you love doing.”

Dr Nuri Alfasi, Senior Speciality Haematologist, Haematology

For Dr Alfasi’s positive attitude and for making a significant difference to the Haematology Day Unit. Dr Alfasi helps and supports colleagues by reviewing patients promptly, which improves patient experience. He is always happy, very proactive, keen to help and has a wonderful bedside manner.

James Breakwell, Operations Manager, Cardiology and Respiratory

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “James is always very kind and understanding. They make themselves available when we need to talk and get our stress or worries off our chest. James is always trying their very best to ensure that we are happy at work, taking the time to understand our problems so they can fix them and reassure us to the best of their abilities.”

Heartlands Hospital

Dr Christopher Huntley, Consultant Interstitial Lung Disease Respiratory Physician, Respiratory Medicine 

For Dr Huntley’s exceptional care, particularly with challenging patients, always going above and beyond. Dr Huntley listens to everyone’s opinions, values their input, and promotes teamwork. He is dedicated to improving his patients’ quality of life and handles difficult conversations with sensitivity. His strong communication skills and approachable presence make him highly respected by colleagues. He is a true asset to the team. 

Ann Janaway, Staff Nurse, Day Surgery and Admissions Lounge 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Ann is very valued member of the Heartlands Treatment Centre team. She is massively kind and caring to her patients. She worked as a community nurse for a while and brings a lot of understanding of the community services’ discharge process to the unit. She sees beyond just discharging her patients, considering the aftercare and advising them in a very caring way. She is always so eager to learn new skills and follow all procedures correctly. Her calm manner helps put patients at ease as they prepare for their procedure. I know if Ann was looking after my relative, they would be very well cared for, and I’d be very happy.” 

Julis Burton, Senior Sister, Respiratory Medicine 

For Julis’ exceptional dedication, compassion, and outstanding clinical skills. Julis goes above and beyond to ensure that each patient feels cared for and valued, offering extra support and comfort when needed.  

Her commitment extends to mentoring students, offering guidance and encouragement, and building a culture of learning and teamwork. Her selflessness, warmth, and support for her colleagues make her an invaluable team member and an inspiration to all. 

Jimmy Lawal, Senior Decontamination Lead, Central Endoscopy Decontamination Unit, Facilities 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “Jimmy is a warm and positive individual that always helps the team to improve and offers support. Jimmy has gone over and beyond in his role, and even supports other decontamination units. His focus is the patient and the team, ensuring that we always keep patients safe by providing a gold-star decontamination service.” 

Monique Bennett, Healthcare Assistant, Renal Medicine 

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “I came to see a patient, and as I approached the patient, they appeared to be having a seizure. Monique was calmly with the patient, who was sitting in a chair. She was working quickly to maintain the patient’s airway and kept talking to the patient to try and keep them awake, but the patient lost consciousness for few seconds. She was calm and supportive in a hard situation and worked fast to ensure the patient was treated with dignity and respect, as well as ensuring they remained medically supported at all times. Without her quick judgement and skills, the situation could have escalated.” 

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Dr Nada Al-Sakini, Consultant Adult Congenital Heart Disease Cardiologist, Cardiology

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “In a large, busy hospital, where it can feel quiet and anonymous, Dr Al-Sakini makes an effort with every registrar and resident doctor to be friendly and polite, by remembering names, including people in discussions, and providing teaching - even on busy ward rounds and in clinics. She never says no to helping and takes the time to listen to questions and provide a considered answer. She also looks out for the wellbeing of her team members and makes sure you feel supported.” 

Dr Syazeddy Samani, Consultant, Gastroenterology

For Dr Samani’s kindness and compassion when speaking with the family of a patient who recently died. Dr Samani provided the family with an explanation, using non-medical terminology to help them better understand the procedure, and answered their questions openly and honestly. He shared information on the actions he had personally taken following the event, which the family appreciated and were grateful for. 

Amy Binnion, Ward Manager, Tina Dwyer, Oncology Matron, and the Oncology Nursing Team

Nominated by a patient’s relative, who said: “I would like to nominate Amy Binnion, Tina Dwyer, and the entire Oncology nursing team for the fabulous care provided to my father while he was on Ward 625/624. I would especially like to thank Amy for everything that she did to enable him to go home, which was his dying wish. She cared for him and my family with great compassion and understanding, and she made us feel like nothing was too much to ask. Her hard work and dedication meant the world to us as a family. There are so many names I could list from the team who all went above and beyond.” 

Christina Boyle, Flow Coordinator, Respiratory Medicine

For Christina’s exceptional positivity and support as the flow coordinator on Ward 515. Christina is a beacon of positivity and always takes the time to listen to colleagues and patients. Christina never complains and works tirelessly in challenging circumstances with a smile on her face. She consistently shows kindness and genuine interest in both staff and patients, playing a crucial role in the ward’s success. 

Jennifer Atkinson, Physiotherapist, Jonathon Plowright, Clinical Lead, Physiotherapy Outpatients, and Rebecca Hemming, Office Manager, Therapy Services

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “The team have worked over and above to make the first joint Community Appointment Day in collaboration with The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital a great success. The team developed this new model of care, which required them to overcome multiple difficulties by being kind, connected and bold. They supported staff and patients on the day without fault. The team received fantastic feedback from patients, who felt the care delivered was excellent, and the advice and support provided was lifechanging for some.” 

Thomas King, Consultant, Urology

Nominated by a patient, who said: “Mr King has been beside me at pretty much every step of my journey with urology issues. Mr King treats you as a human; he takes his time, never rushes you and knows exactly who his patients are. Despite his senior position, he keeps level-headed and speaks to me with the utmost respect. He is a genuine and caring clinician who keeps me well and safe. He arranges tests and communicates results without delay, and his sense of humour keeps my spirits up. I have met a lot of doctors in my time, but Mr King is the best and most caring I’ve ever met.” 

Solihull Hospital

Lucy Henderson, Senior Sister and Michelle Piad, Staff Nurse (Solihull Theatres Team)

For Michelle and Lucy’s exceptional contributions to the new orthopaedic service at Solihull Theatres. Lucy has been key to the project’s success, going above and beyond in planning, training staff, and creating a positive work environment. Her dedication, passion, and kindness have inspired colleagues and consultants alike. Michelle has been instrumental in the planning, organising, and delivery of gold standard care, supporting the team with her clinical expertise and positive energy. Both are invaluable to the team, and their hard work is deeply appreciated. 

Natalie Arnold, Operations Manager, Georgia Salter, Operational Support Assistant, and Greg Bramwell, General Manager (Solihull Elective Hub Project Team)

For the key role Natalie and Georgia played in making sure the new Solihull Elective Hub was ready and fit for purpose. Natalie and Georgia showed incredible patience and skill, effectively liaising and negotiating with multiple teams to purchase, receive and prepare items for the hub. Throughout the project, they provided compassionate support to everyone around them, often in challenging circumstances. At the same time, they have improved performance in the existing Solihull Theatres while also overseeing the decommissioning and removal of the supporting Vanguard theatres. 

Sunita Bhogal, Staff Nurse, Ailish McBride-George, Nurse, Victoria Mansfield, Nurse, and Charlotte Leahy, Registered Nurse (Solihull Flu Team)

For the team’s incredible dedication as flu champions at Solihull Hospital. Sunita, Ailish, Victoria, and Charlotte have all played valuable roles in promoting flu vaccinations for colleagues across the hospital and community. Alongside their roles, they have provided ad hoc support and scheduled and facilitated clinics. Their hard work not only supported colleagues during the winter pressures but also played a crucial role in protecting our patients and loved ones. 

Community

Julie Rigby, Healthcare Assistant, Tracy Masters, Support Worker and Gemma Harper, Healthcare Assistant (Solihull Community North Team), Solihull Hospital and Community Services 

For Julie and Tracy’s dedicated support of a patient in the community over the past 18 months, and for Gemma’s proactive approach in ensuring excellent patient care. Julie and Tracy have helped a patient manage his wounds and improve his quality of life, building a strong rapport through their consistency and patience. Gemma consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her patients receive high-quality care. When a patient was acutely unwell at home, Gemma took the necessary steps to intervene and escalate concerns to the appropriate services. Gemma received feedback from her patient, that said: “Gemma saved my life and for that I am truly grateful.” 

Corporate

Jason Poole, Material Management Assistant, Finance, Heartlands Hospital

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “During the absence of Ward 12’s housekeeper and service coordinator, Jason has assisted the ward on a large scale. Jason is always available to find any stock that we require, even with short notice. The supplies are always well-organised and readily available. This has greatly reduced the extra workload on staff. Jason always has a friendly smile and does not complain about carrying out this extra workload. His positivity and help have been noticed by all members of the ward team.” 

Graham Hill, Head of Infrastructure Lifecycle Management, IT Services, Regent Court, Yardley Court and Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

For Graham’s understanding, supportive and compassionate nature. Graham’s main focus is his colleagues’ wellbeing. He listens to his colleagues and supports them through difficulties. Graham’s outstanding attention to detail has ensured that all his colleagues have a clear vision and understanding of what’s expected from them at work. 

Switchboard Team, IT Services, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Heartlands Hospital

For the team’s excellent judgement, patience and knowledge. Our operators are often the first point of contact for people calling our hospitals. The team handles calls and assists patients and their families in navigating the Trust, connecting them with specialists and their loved ones. They offer critical support and are patient, reliable and hugely supportive. 

Eugene Komeng, People Partner, Employee Relations, People Directorate, Heartlands Hospital

Nominated by a colleague, who said: “I am a midwife who has been off work for over 12 months now with cancer, and since Eugene has taken over my case, along with my manager, he has made a significant difference to my ill health process and the management of my sickness. He is very concise in his work and shows professionalism, both via email and face-to-face. I cannot thank him enough for ensuring a smooth, diligent, and empathetic process during such a difficult time for me. He goes above and beyond for staff by showing compassion and empathy.” 

Research and Development

Helen Green, Service Manager, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Clinical Research Facility, Queen Elizabeth Hospital

For Helen’s kindness, compassion and exceptional knowledge. Helen consistently goes above and beyond to prioritise her colleagues' well-being, offering emotional support and taking on tasks to assist those in need. She shares her knowledge of admin roles, processes and systems by providing fantastic support to her colleagues. Whether it's offering a listening ear, coordinating schedules, or providing a friendly face, Helen is always there when help is needed.

Women’s and Children’s

Dr Elizabeth Howland, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Nominated by a patient who said: “Dr Howland became my consultant towards the end of my pregnancy when it became complicated. She immediately put me at ease. She was very kind, knowledgeable and honest. She referred me to other specialties at an appropriate time for their input. She openly admitted where there was a lack of evidence and guidelines to guide management in my case and was completely transparent about how she arrived at the recommendations she made. She never once tried to falsely reassure me, which reassured me that I could trust her. Together we made decisions, and my baby and I went on to have a great outcome. She 100% deserves this recognition for how well she does her job.” 

Jacqueline Morris, Cedar Ward Services Coordinator, Facilities

For Jacqueline’s hard work and dedication, which was recognised by a patient. Jacqueline’s manager received a two-sided letter from the patient highlighting the positive impact Jacqueline had made, describing her as an angel who had been a great help on a difficult road to recovery. She not only supported the patient but also the entire family.