Published on 3 February 2022
Dozens of staff were rewarded for their dedication, compassion and courage on Tuesday at a ceremony to present them with The British Citizen Award.
Almost 50 staff received the award, dubbed the People’s Honours and designed to recognise individuals doing extraordinary things for the good of the country. Just two per cent of those nominated are chosen to receive the award.
In an emotional speech, chief executive Susan Acott said she was proud and humbled to be able to witness the presentations, and paid tribute to teams’ work over the past two years of the coronavirus pandemic.
She said: “I always felt it was akin to a war. I don’t think I could describe it in any other way.
“You have been tested to the limit and not been found wanting. I am very proud to work with you all and to call you my team.”
Awards co-founder Mike Faulkner said each and every person receiving an award was a worthy recipient.
He added: “It was a privilege to share the platform with so many inspirational individuals who had each contributed, in so many different ways, to saving lives. Each and every person receiving The Award was absolutely worthy.
“Luckily in our communities around the country we often witness kindness, consideration and selfless giving, but to see that replicated amongst the colleague community of EKHUFT was extraordinarily rewarding.
“Each medallist could have claimed that they were just doing their job, but they were doing it with absolute distinction, often with bravery, and always with flair – and against a 2-year-long backdrop of Covid-19. These are exceptional people and we thank them for their contribution”.
Among the recipients was Sue Brassington, head of nursing for GSM, who was recognised for her outstanding leadership and making staff feel valued.
Colin Comper, head of estates, was recognised for his efforts making sure wards had the oxygen supplies they needed, while Donna Parker was nominated for reorganising the maxillofacial department and supporting redeployment to help with the vaccination programme.
Pathology general manager Marcus Coales received an award for leading the Trust’s response to Covid testing, while Rebecca Hawkins was described as “a perfect example of a clinical site manager”.
Deputy chief executive Liz Shutler was described as being ‘the conscience of the organisation’, and director of IT Andy Barker, was recognised for his work developing digital solutions to support new ways of working during the pandemic.
Trust chair Niall Dickson said the winners demonstrated the very best of the NHS, and thanked them on behalf of the board and their colleagues.
The winners were:
Andy Barker, Amy Evans, Catherine Meliak, Cayleigh Sayle, Charlie Steadman, Christina Aung, Colin Comper, Deirdre McFarlane, Donna Parker, Ghanim Hamza, Hannah Kilbride, Helen Swanborough, Hitendra Tanwar, Iain Morrison, Jane Kirk-Smith, Jackie Baker, Jessica Evans, Jessica O’Reilly, Jo Williams, Julia Cristall, Lesley White, Lini Joseph, Liz Shutler, Marcus Coales, Michele Mather, Monique Verlaan, Nichola Sanger, Pauline Treadwell, Peter Christian, Rebecca Hawkins, Rema Iyer, Sandra Davies, Sarah Finch, Sarah Siddons, Sue Brassington, Tomislav Canzek, Tracey Twyman, Upaasna Garbharran, Vanessa Purday, Will Willson and Zoe Holt.
Aleyamma Shabu, Chris Hamson, Dionyssios Malamis, Fernando Candal Carballido, Mark Snazelle, Ruth O’Brien, Sharon Powell and Zandi Ndlovu also won but were unable to attend the ceremony.
