And the nominees for this year's Staff Celebration Awards are...

After much deliberation Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust are pleased to announce the shortlist for this year's Celebration Awards.

Carolyn Bruce-Spencer, Shadow Governor for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and judge for the awards said: “It was incredible to receive so many nominations for staff, exceeding the number that we received last year.

“So many people took the time to nominate a colleague or staff member, which shows the valuable service provided and those who go the extra mile in the practice of healthcare.”

Leader of the Year
This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership. The individual is recognised for putting quality and safety at the heart of service delivery and for living and leading on the Trust’s values.

Ann Cornelius, Matron for General Surgery & Renal – Ann is a dynamic, engaging and patient focused leader. With a no-nonsense approach to leadership Ann believes in clear direction and being a good role model. An asset to the Trust.
Susan Stock, Head of Midwifery – As a strong motivational leader Sue has initiated a number of changes to improve care for both women who use the maternity services at Derriford Hospital and her staff. Sue takes the time to listen to what woman are saying and has made a positive difference to Maternity Services.
Nikki Day, Lead Nurse Rheumatology – After successfully introducing HealthCare Assistants into the team, there has been a positive impact on patient waiting lists. Described by her team as confident, strong, supportive and compassionate, they are proud of her.

Clinical team of the year
A team which consistently demonstrates excellent teamwork, the winning team will have demonstrated success in improving services for patients, staff or carers.

Peninsula Neonatal Transport Service (PCTS) – The 24 hour multi-disciplinary team who have safely transported over 3,000 babies that have been identified as critical or urgent both within and outside the South West region. The professional commitment of this team has been described as ‘truly immense’.
Anaesthetic Simulation and Human Factors Training team – This team of dedicated anaesthetists have been developing non-technical skills and simulator training in clinical areas which is really important and recognised by the National Patient Safety Agency and Care Quality Commission. Much of this work has been carried out in their own time and the team have proven that this training improves the safety culture in Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
Shipley Ward staff – Nominated for their excellent team work on a daily basis, giving the highest standards of care to elderly patients. During this year’s dementia review Shipley Ward was identified as being exemplar.
Acute surgery wards Wolf and Stonehouse – Both teams have worked exceptionally hard this year to the benefit of patients. Both wards care for complex surgical patients, acutely ill emergency patients and they have also cared for other medical admissions during this winter, adding complexity to the care environment. There is a positive ‘can do’ attitude from all staff to help cope with the varying pressures to the benefit of the patients. Both teams are led by exemplary nurse leaders who work tirelessly above and beyond what is expected to ensure excellent patient care. They are two excellent teams who work well together as one unit.

Non-clinical team of the year

A team which consistently demonstrates excellent teamwork, the winning team will have demonstrated success in improving services for patients, staff or carers.
Admin, Clerical and Support Staff team for Imaging – Considered as the backbone of the X-ray department, the team has been through various changes and each time the team has embraced the challenge with dedication. Their nominee described them as ‘the best team they have worked with’.
Performance team – This is a team who have little patient contact but everything they do is centred on ensuring patients receive the best experience possible. Their positivity and ‘never give up’ attitude was highlighted in their nomination and the impact on other teams in believing that demanding targets are achievable.
Planning team – Nominated for delivering a number of outstanding projects, including the move of the Royal Eye Infirmary to Derriford Hospital. A highly skilled and committed team who are an asset to Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Hospital Flow team – Sam Rafferty, Victoria Lea and Nikki Johnson lead separate teams and all of them work tirelessly to maintain safety across the hospital site and make significant contributions to the hospital. They support on-call managers and at all times put the care of our patients at the forefront of their work.

Unsung hero
By far the most popular category for this year’s event, over 58 nominations were received for staff that go the extra mile with drive and enthusiasm that motivates and inspires others.

Katie Martin, Project Support Manager – Described as ‘a young lady destined for great things,’ Katie was nominated while in her former role as Senior System Analyst Administrator in the Radiology department. A popular nominee who stands proud amongst her colleagues, she rises to all challenges and has supported many team projects.
Steve Holmes, Tech Support Administrator – As a member of the Healthy Bones Service, Steve offers faultless support, takes ownership and is always friendly and hard working. In the patient satisfaction survey for the department Steve was the most commended member of the team with one patient stating, “if the clinical team at the Health Bones Service is the bread and butter then Steve is one heck of a filling.”
Jackie Judd, Chief Management Accountant – Jackie is passionate about delivering high quality care for patients and as a manager she has been described as fantastically loyal to her team. Always positive, she is an inspiration to her nominator and colleagues. Her nominator said, “I cannot name a single other person who works harder for the hospital, patients, staff and her team.”
Chris Stone, Principal Clinical Technologist – Chris has worked in Medical Equipment Management Services (MEMS) for over 30 years and over that time has mentored many people and departments. Described by one nominator he is ‘one of life’s good people and a NHS stalwart.’
Dawn Holwill, Medical Secretary – Nominated for her outstanding work ethic and for being the backbone of the department, Dawn is recognised as an invaluable member of the team. Her tireless, enthusiastic attitude and willingness to go the extra mile without complaints was noted and all of her nominees were unanimous in agreeing that the department couldn’t function without her.

Role model
Another popular award for nominations, this award is for an individual who is highly regarded by all staff, acting as a role model or mentor and consistently living and working the Trust values.

Sandra Parkin, Radiographer Helper – Sandra is a very important and valued member of the Radiographer helper team. Described as dedicated, loyal and professional she is always highly motivated with a passion for delivery the highest patient care.
Judy Frame, Cardiothoracic Matron – Nominated for the significant difference she makes to her patient’s experience. The clinical role model and leadership qualities she exhibits are central to the future of the clinical area and a core element of the Trust’s culture. Described as reliable, confident and professional her work ethic is noted as exceptional.
Janette Thomas, Senior Midwife – A Supervisor of Midwives in addition to her role, Janette is an excellent role model for the Trust. She is highly thought of by her peers and will always lend a hand, ear or should of support to anyone that needs it. Nominated for being the kindest and most committed midwife and a true inspiration to others.

Herald’s reader award
An individual or team who, as judged by their patients, who have delivered excellent care and an excellent service.

Stuart Palmer, Staff Nurse – Stuart is based on Honeyford Ward and goes far beyond what is expected of him. He is inspiring, caring and indeed exceptional. A credit to the good work that nurses do and an inspiration to all who meet him.
Mary Jefferies, Children's Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse – Mary has been described as dependable, compassionate and takes ownership of patient’s wellbeing and a pillar of strength to her patients. She embodies the Trust vision to provide health care services that patients and their families can depend on.
Nikki Day, Lead Nurse Rheumatology – Described as an extra special person who deserves an award for all of her years of dedication and hard work to her department. The total trust in Nikki from her team and her dedication stands out.

Excellence in Innovation and research
Individuals or teams able to demonstrate that they have improved outcomes for patients, carers or staff through innovative working methods, implementation of best practice or the adoption of technology.

Dr Daryl Thorp-Jones, Consultant Anaesthetist – Dr Thorp-Jones tirelessly supported the adoption of cell salvage which is now embedded into routine practice and made a difference to a range of theatre cases, making surgery safer for a particular group of patients. Daryl deserves recognition for the safer care this technology provides.
Dr Gary Minto, Anaesthetics Consultant – Dr Minto has taken anaesthetics from a small research base to one of the leading areas in the Derriford portfolio. Everyone is always pleased to see him when he walks into their office and one junior colleague offered the highest form of praise in his nomination stating that their ambition is to be as good a researcher as Dr Minto.
Jubilee Team, Maternity – On Jubilee day this team starting providing 24 hour one-to-one care to the women who use the maternity services at Derriford Hospital and their families. The team help to plan home births, which have increased 5% since last June. This is a team who have built up a mutual respect and trust between the midwives, mothers-to-be, family and indeed the whole multi-disciplinary team, providing excellent care for those in their safe keeping.

Volunteer of the Year
An individual, not employed by Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, who has nevertheless made an outstanding contribution to excellent services.

Peter Kimpton and Mike Trembeth – Both gentlemen give their time freely to conduct inpatient surveys and act as hospital guides. They are compassionate, enthusiastic and nothing is too much trouble for either of them. They are thanked for their endless help and tireless dedication.
Margaret Tremblett – Margaret has worked tirelessly for the maternity unit for many years. Described as a cheerful lady with a youthful outlook on life and is worthy of more than just a thank-you. A real asset to our hospital.

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards night held at the Plymouth Pavilions this Friday (7 June).