On the evening of Friday 4 October 2024, the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held their Extraordinary People Awards ceremony to celebrate the incredible staff and volunteers who work across the Trust.

The awards recognise the outstanding contribution that staff and volunteers make to care for patients and support colleagues. Over 500 nominations were received from staff, patients and carers, and judging panels then created a shortlist of 48 finalists.

The Royal Devon’s finalists came together for an awards ceremony at Sandy Park, Exeter where the winners were announced and presented with their awards.

Sam Higginson, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive said: “Our Extraordinary People Awards are such an important way to recognise the hard work and commitment of our staff and volunteers, and allows us to hear about the amazing work happening across the Trust.

I would like to congratulate and thank all of our colleagues who received recognition for the difference they make to our patients, colleagues and local communities.”

The event was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from Nevada Construction, CDW UK, APCOA Parking, EX2 Group, Dartline, Tusker, DAC Beachcroft LLP, Sodexo, and Serve and Protect Credit Union. 

Sam added: “We are all incredibly grateful to our sponsors for supporting us and making this award ceremony possible.”

 

Holly Conway – Winner Extraordinary Care Individual Award

Holly has worked in cancer services for many years and is currently a Personalised Care Support manager.

Her colleagues say “Holly’s day to day job means she comes in contact with cancer patients, their families and carers and always goes ‘over and above’ for them. She attentively listens to all their needs, and offers advice and support”

Rosie Dalton – Winner Extraordinary Care Individual (Public) Award

Midwife Rosie, who works at the RD&E was nominated by a member of the public who she supported during their labour.

Rosie’s nominator said “Rosie was unbelievably calm and somehow, she got me from the car to the labour ward, I’m still amazed we even made it to the hospital! Rosie listened to me immediately, she knew exactly what I wanted and needed. Rosie was caring, compassionate, respectful, empowering, we will forever be grateful to her”

Pathfinder Urgent Care and Acute Hospital at Home Frailty Team - Winner Extraordinary Care Team Award

The Pathfinder Urgent Care and AHAH Frailty Team have worked together over the past 12 months, providing a safe and efficient alternative to receiving care as an inpatient on a hospital ward.

Colleagues who work with the team said “The team are one in a million, they strive for excellence and for what’s important to the patient.”

Adult Cystic Fibrosis Team – Winner Extraordinary Care Team (public) Award

The Exeter Cystic Fibrosis Centre are an experienced multidisciplinary team who provide comprehensive care. The team were nominated by a member of the public who found their support invaluable.

Their nominator said “I really think they have enhanced and extended my daughter’s life with their expertise. I am forever grateful for their compassionate approach both medically and emotionally. Thank you just isn't enough”

Tom Mills - Winner of Living Our Values Award

Tom is an Assistant Practioner in the South Devon Satellite Kidney Unit and was nominated by his colleagues for bringing passion and enthusiasm in an area that is very demanding and fast paced. He always helps his colleagues feel supported.

Tom’s nominator said “Tom is an extraordinary colleague, demonstrating compassion and care to his patients and colleagues, Patients always feel supported when they are looked after by Tom, praising his character and skills."

Katy Hollies - Winner of Learner of the Year Award

Katy works in the Radiology department at NDDH and her nominator said “Katy always puts patient care first and has developed a lovely rapport with patients that come into her care, she shows kindness at all levels. She is an exceptional role model both for the radiology department, fellow learners and the Trust.”

Helen Bowmer - Winner Extraordinary Colleague Support Award

Helen is the Admin Services Manager at the Nightingale Hospital, Exeter.

Helen’s nominator said “Helen shows compassion through her kindness to others. She has an excellent level of empathy and patience for her teams, and is able to convey sincerity and understanding. She ensures people feel heard and valued.”

Dr Stuart Kyle – Winner Leader of the Year Award

Dr Stuart Kyle is a Consultant Rheumatologist at NDDH and Clinical Lead for Outpatient Transformation.

Colleagues said “Stuart is an inspirational leader with an exceptional ability to get people together and drive improvements to patient care". As a leader, Stuart is described as approachable, responsive, knowledgeable, passionate and experienced.

Northern Heart Failure Team – Winner Exceptional Idea Award

The heart failure team at NDDH provided patients with the opportunity to monitor their health from home, through remote monitoring, which reduced the number of frequent hospital visits and improved outcomes for heart failure patients.

A colleague who works closely with the team said “The team have empowered patients by giving them the tools and information to monitor their own health and make informed decisions about their care.”

Nightingale Volunteers - Winner Extraordinary Volunteer Award

The Nightingale volunteers support patients and staff at the Nightingale Hospital, Exeter.

A colleague said “Our entire team of volunteers work tirelessly to assist patients, family members and staff to ensure that patients have the best experience when visiting the Nightingale. If I was attending a hospital I would love to be welcomed by such an amazing group of people and I am so thankful that they continue to provide their support.”

Vincent Simpson – Winner Green Award

Vincent is part of the Exeter Diabetes team and his nominator said “Vincent has independently driven environmental initiatives within the Exeter Diabetes department. This is fantastic work and I have been extremely impressed with his energy and enthusiasm to push forward this extremely important cause."

Hayley Pye – Winner Extraordinary Endeavour Clinical Award

Hayley is a Dementia Nurse and strives to improve care for patients with dementia.

Her nominator said “In this role Hayley has been able to share her knowledge and skills, and has worked relentlessly to improve the lives of all patients with dementia and their families.”

Tom Richards – Winner Extraordinary Endeavour Non-Clinical Award

Tom works in our Clinical Digital Services team and his nominator said “Tom takes the time to really listen to the needs of our front-line system users and then works incredibly hard to find the best possible solutions.”

Echo Test Optimisation Team - Winner Extraordinary Collaboration and Partnership Award

Eastern and Northern staff across Echocardiography have been working together to improve echo test appointments.

Colleagues said “It is a pleasure to work with the Echo Test Optimisation Project team, they are not only lovely people and a credit to the Trust, but they work hard and show integrity in every interaction. I have felt proud to work alongside them.”

Discharge Hub Team - Winner Team of the Year Award (clinical)

The discharge hub at NDDH provides a comfortable space for patients who no longer need to be on a ward and are waiting to go home.

Colleagues said “The team have a clear understanding of their roles and take ownership of the discharge hub. They communicate well and work to ensure patients are discharged home safely."

Clinical Measurements Admin Team - Winner Team of the Year Award (non-clinical)

The team support a number of services across the Trust and colleagues describe them as a special team that put the patient at the centre of everything they do. “They are amazing! The clinical teams really could not function without them and their amazing efforts.”

Meriel Fishwick winner - Special Recognition Award 

Meriel is the Chief Executive of FORCE Cancer Charity and has dedicated over 30 years of her life to helping people with cancer in Devon.

She was nominated by the charity’s management team who said "“Meriel has made an unparalleled contribution to cancer services in Exeter and beyond, and is passionate about ensuring that FORCE services are accessible and available closer to where the people who need them live.”