We are excited to announce the shortlist for this year’s Extraordinary People Awards, after the conclusion of the first stage of judging.

We have seen examples of such extraordinary work being shared through your nominations – a huge congratulations to everyone that has now been shortlisted.

Our judging panels are reviewing the shortlisted nominations to determine our finalists. All our finalists will be invited to a special celebration event at Sandy Park, Exeter, on 30 November 2023, where our winners will be announced.

We would like to thank our event sponsors Nevada Construction, KJ Refrigeration, NewZapp Trusted Delivery, EX2, Sodexo, Westcountry Maintenance Services, Channel 3 Consulting, and Denhams Digital for their generous contributions. Thanks also to Peninsula Project Consulting, Ellis James Creative, Softcat and Lympstone Manor for their donations towards the event.

Spotlight on your nominations

We welcomed entries from patients, visitors and carers in the ‘Extraordinary Care’ category, and we had a fantastic response from you.

You can read some of your nominations below. We will be adding more stories all the time so make sure you check back for new nominations.

Sally Rothwell, nurse on Caroline Thorpe Ward, NDDH

Sally was nominated by someone whose baby boy was admitted to the children’s ward at NDDH.

“Sally is a saint! She was so supportive and understanding when we were on the ward with our little boy, going above and beyond to try and find solutions…

“Her wealth of experience made us feel safe that we were in good hands. We will never forget the exceptional care she gave us and our son.

“Thank you Sally, you're an amazing human being!”

Ambulatory Day Case Team, Sidmouth Hospital

The team provides day case care at Sidmouth Hospital, such as intravenous therapies. The team developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Trust was looking at ways for patients who were clinically extremely vulnerable to have treatment away from the busy RD&E Wonford site.

“This wonderful team created a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for patients right from the beginning, and that continues to this day.

“They understand when patients need physical or emotional support, or would like to be in a room to chat with others, or have quiet time for a snooze. Tea, coffee, books, kindness and laughter are all part of their excellent care and the excellent experience of patients.

“If I was to identify one standout characteristic of this team, it would be that they really do work in partnership with patients, as though they were valued members of that team. An example of what integrated care at its best can look like, thank you.”