NHS colleagues, volunteers and fundraisers to be honoured at our Excellence Awards

Sarah Kinsella receiving her award in 2023

The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire – made up of Kettering and Northampton general hospitals - are holding our annual Excellence Awards on Thursday, September 26, to honour the achievements of our amazing colleagues, volunteers and fundraisers. 

Nominations are coming in fast for the 12 award categories but nominations will close at midnight on Sunday 14 July 2024 so get yours in on our Excellence Awards page.

Two of last year’s winners have said what it means to them to be recognised for their outstanding work. 

NGH HR Business Partner Sarah Kinsella, won the "Inspirational Individual Non-Clinical Award" category in 2023. 

This was for the work she did to develop a Group policy around leave for colleagues starting a family which, for the first time, gave some additional leave to support staff when things don’t go to plan and to give some extra support due to baby loss, hospitalised babies following birth, or IVF treatment.

She said: I’ve worked many years at NGH supporting our colleagues who are taking leave such as maternity or paternity, and I always felt frustrated that when things didn’t go to plan the support available through statutory entitlements or via the NHS T&C’s was lacking.   

“I felt quite passionate about this policy and the help it could give and this obviously showed as it prompted colleagues to nominate me for the award.   

“It was lovely to be recognised in this way and it put a big smile on my face and a little tear in my eye on the night.  Winning was a real boost for me and the team and I was proud to be recognised. 

Julie Danns is part of the KGH team that won in the "Research and Innovation Award" category (2023) for the Respiratory Home Oxygen Team Virtual Ward. 

This was part of arrangements made to enhance patient care and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It was an innovative approach involved discharging patients as early as possible and allowing them to continue their oxygen therapy at home. In 2021, more than 300 COVID patients were successfully managed on the virtual ward. 

Julie said: “The team’s hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievements being recognised was greatly appreciated. This recognition not only made us feel valued and appreciated, but it also significantly boosted the morale of our team. During covid times there was high media attention on acute teams within hospital settings. Therefore, our small team working ' silently' in the community and within the trust being nominated for our efforts was truly an honour.” 

Group Chief Executive, Richard Mitchell, said: Our annual Excellence Awards are one of the most important dates in our calendar and we are always delighted to celebrate the achievements of our colleagues, volunteers, and fundraisers.  

“I would urge everyone to make their nominations for this year’s event so that we can, once again, acknowledge the dedication and commitment of all of those amazing individuals and teams.” 

The categories for this year’s awards are:  

• Patient Choice Award (KGH and NGH will have winners)  

• Research Innovation and Improvement  

• Patient Experience Award 

• Patient Safety Award  

• Northamptonshire Health Charity Fundraiser of the Year 

• Inspirational Volunteer of the Year Award  

• Unsung Hero Award 

• Rising Star Award 

• Inspirational Team of the Year Award 

• Valuing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award  

• UHN Leader of the Year Award 

• Chair’s Outstanding Contribution Award 

 If you received high-quality care, if someone made you feel listened to, and who showed kindness and respect, we want to hear from you for our Patient Choice award. 

There are tips on the Excellence Awards page to help you write strong nominations colleagues, volunteers or fundraisers.

Thank you to the Northamptonshire Health Charity for their continued support and sponsorship for the event.