Across the challenges in modern acute healthcare, there are those staff who tirelessly and quietly work away to provide the best service they can for their patients. And, it was those staff who were recognised at the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust annual Star Awards.
Held at Villa Park, the event brought together teams, volunteers and individuals from across the Trust to recognise the compassion, commitment and innovation shown by staff every day.
With more than 550 nominations to 17 categories, the event highlights some exceptional work taking place across hospital and community services, that mainly goes unnoticed by the wider organisation and public.
Hosted by singer, actor and ITV weather presenter Des Coleman, the evening addressed this imbalance, showcasing colleagues who have gone above and beyond for patients, families, communities and each other.
Diane Wake, Chief Executive at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: “The Star Awards event is one of the highlights of our year, and tonight has been a wonderful opportunity to recognise the people who make this organisation so special.
“Across our Trust, colleagues are doing extraordinary things every day – improving care, supporting patients and families, driving innovation and looking after one another. To be shortlisted is a remarkable achievement in itself, and every finalist should feel incredibly proud.
“The event underlines our values of Ambition, Respect and Compassion, and is a reminder of the difference our people make every single day.”
Among the awards, the Acute Stroke Services Team received the Outstanding Achievement Award after transforming stroke care through innovation, collaboration and a relentless focus on patients. The team has achieved an SSNAP A rating – the highest possible rating – reflecting the dedication of Dr Kamel Sharobeem and the wider multidisciplinary team.
The Chief Executive and Chair Award was presented to Des Conlon, who has dedicated more than five decades to patient care. Starting his career as an auxiliary nurse aged just 17 before progressing to Theatre Manager, Des was recognised for 51 years of service, leadership and commitment to supporting patients and developing colleagues.
The Patient Choice Award went to the ICU Outreach Team, following a moving nomination from the family of a patient who praised the team’s expert, compassionate and reassuring care.
Sir David Nicholson, Chair of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: “Tonight has shown the very best of Sandwell and West Birmingham. Behind every award is a story of dedication, teamwork and care that has made a real difference to patients, families and colleagues.
“Our winners and finalists represent the very best of who we are as an organisation, and it has been a privilege to mark their achievements.”
The full list of winners is:
- Non-Clinical Team of the Year – Security Team
- ARC Star of the Year – Kevin Johnson, Porter
- Best Use of Charitable Funds – Mobile 4K Trolley at BMEC
- Rising Star of the Year – Paul Roberts, Palliative Care Admin Manager Systems Administrator
- Volunteer of the Year – Martin Boyle
- Outstanding Leader of the Year – Sarah Oley, Clinical Directorate Lead iBeds and Atul Malik, Clinical Director – Trauma and Orthopaedics
- Excellence in Patient Care – Connected Palliative Care Team
- Greener Futures Award – Clare Nash, Head of Clinical Products Management
- Excellence in Research – Breast Screening Health Promotions Team
- Patient Choice Award – ICU Outreach Team
- Clinical Unsung Hero – Sophie Whiles, Occupational Therapy Lead for Critical Care and Surgeries
- Clinical Team of the Year – Trauma and Orthopaedics
- EDI Champion of the Year – ED Hospital Project partnered with Newbigin Community Trust
- Non-Clinical Unsung Hero – Chris Smith, Contract Performance Manager
- The Improving Together Prize for Excellence – Sarah Concannon, Promoting Independence Cinical Lead
- Outstanding Achievement Award – Acute Stroke Services Team
- CEO/Chair Award – Des Conlon, Theatre Manager
The Trust thanked its sponsors Gleeds, Equans, Netcall, SoftCat, University of Wolverhampton, Richard Wolf, Mitie, Wavenet and Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals Charity for helping make the event possible.