The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held their Extraordinary People Awards ceremony on the evening of Friday 3 October 2025, to celebrate the incredible staff and volunteers who work across the Trust.

The awards are an important way to recognise the outstanding contribution that staff and volunteers make to care for patients and support colleagues.

The Extraordinary Care category was open to patient, carer and public nominations and over 400 nominations were received from staff, patients and carers across all the categories. Finalists came together for an awards ceremony at Sandy Park, Exeter where the winners were announced and presented with their awards.

Sam Higginson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our Extraordinary People Awards allow us to hear about the amazing and inspirational work happening across the Trust. It’s an opportunity to recognise the hard work and commitment of staff across our services and celebrate the remarkable things they do.

I would like to congratulate and thank all of our staff who received recognition for the difference they make to our patients and colleagues. Thank you again to patients and our local communities for taking the time to recognise and celebrate the staff who make the Royal Devon such a special place."

The celebration event was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from our corporate sponsors Royal Devon Improving Working Lives Staff Lottery, Nevada Construction, EX2 Group, Tusker, Dartline, Denhams Digital, WMS, SCC,  Moore-Wilson and Serve and Protect Credit Union.

Extraordinary People Awards winners

Dr Richard Tomlinson - Winner Extraordinary Care Individual Award

Richard is described as incredibly kind and caring and champions the needs of his young patients.

"Richard has been instrumental in our daughters care throughout her life so far. He has celebrated her successes, championed her needs and supported us through very difficult periods."

ICU NDDH and ICU RD&E - Winner Extraordinary Care Team Award

Both ICU teams were nominated for their empathy and professionalism whilst caring for patients and their families at the most difficult times.

"The team handled everything with so much care, empathy, and professionalism, which meant the absolute world to us. You gave us more time with our mum, wife, and nanny. That’s the most precious gift anyone could ever give." 

Angela Walter - Winner Living Our Values Award

Lead Admiral Nurse Angela was nominated in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the Trust’s values and her unwavering dedication to supporting patients and families living with dementia. She exemplifies these values in action, making a lasting impact to those she serves.

Lynsey Southern - Winner Championing Inclusion Award

People Promise Manager Lynsey consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected.

Colleagues said "Lynsey has actively worked to build bridges across different teams and perspectives, ensuring diverse voices are not just present but actively influencing our decisions and direction."

Claire Bakere and Kim Telford - Winners Extraordinary Colleague Support Award

Claire and Kim worked collaboratively to support two members of nursing staff whose child was palliative and coordinated support from different departments throughout the child's pathway.

Tracy Butler - Winner Learner of the Year 

Tracy is excelling academically and professionally, achieving multiple distinctions while working full-time. Her learning is directly improving care, empowering colleagues, and aligning with Trust values. She is a humble, credible leader quietly transforming practice. She is applying credible projects in the workplace to improve patient outcomes and reduced NHS spending.

Sam Maunder - Winner Leader of the Year (non clinical)

Sam is our Director of Strategic Finance and his colleagues say that he supports and constructively challenges colleagues to identify savings that can help the Trust be more financially sustainable, and he has helped to bring in millions of pounds of funding for new buildings and equipment.

Dr Lucy Smyth - Winner Leader of the Year (clinical)

Lucy is described as constantly striving to improve patient care whilst providing support and leadership as joint Clinical Director of the South West Renal Clinical Network.

Roy Williamson - Winner Extraordinary Volunteer

As a Dementia Support Volunteer, Roy embodies the true spirit of volunteering — selfless, dependable, and always going the extra mile to support staff, patients and their families.

Ian Harris - Winner Extraordinary Endeavour (non clinical) 

Ian Harris has become a valuable member of our Stroke Team by listening and making people smile, sitting with patients and supporting families in tough times.

Corrine Slee - Winner Extraordinary Endeavour (clinical) 

Corrine’s passion for improving care for patients with delirium has empowered staff and led to real change for our patients, reducing the length of time patients with delirium stay in hospital.

Tiverton Endoscopy Project Team and Engagement Team - Winners Exceptional Idea

By working together the team held a fantastic open day for the new Tiverton Endoscopy Diagnostic Unit. This amazing event helped our communities understand and celebrate this important new unit.

Kevin Brown - Winner Sustainability Award

Kevin has led our ward sustainability programme, which has led to huge financial savings and made a significant contribution to our push towards Net Zero.

April Brooks - Winner Extraordinary Collaboration and Partnership Award

April has excelled in working with our Patient Experience team and Care Opinion to transform how patient feedback is gathered and has shown the true impact of listening.

Admiral Nursing Team North - Winners Team of the Year (clinical)

The team provide exceptional support for carers and families of patients living with dementia. Colleagues describe the achievements of the team as over and above everyday expectations, creating resilience among the wider healthcare services.

Pathology Services Finance Team - Winners Team of the Year (non clinical)

Colleagues say "The Finance Team for Pathology Services have been an absolute rock for us this year and have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, often under real pressure, to help keep the service running smoothly. No matter how complex or last-minute the ask, they always respond with calm professionalism, a can-do attitude, and real attention to detail."

Malcolm Mardon - Winner Special Recognition Award

Malcolm has volunteered with the hospital radio for over 50 years and has made an incredible difference to the lives of patients in hospital.