2026 HEARTS Awards - staff awards

This award is for rising to the challenge of working in ever-changing circumstances and delivering compassionate, safe, responsive and effective care to patients.

• Amber Valley Working Age Adult Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)

For providing community mental health care to working-age adults while remaining cohesive and patient-centred through changing service pressures. Compassionate support and strong leadership have helped the team continue meeting the needs of patients and carers. The nomination described them as “An exceptionally close and cohesive team.”

• Kedleston Unit, Derby  

For delivering secure assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for men with severe mental illness and complex risks across Curzon and Scarsdale wards. The team combines safety and public protection with dignity, compassion and support towards greater independence, providing “Care that is safe without losing compassion.”

• North Derbyshire Community Neurodevelopmental Team, Adult Integrated Neurodevelopmental Service

For providing person-centred assessment and support for adults with neurodevelopmental needs while transferring between NHS organisations. The multidisciplinary team maintained excellent clinical standards and continuity of care throughout significant change. As the nomination noted, “Their passion and dedication for improving lives held firm.”

• Positive & Safe Team, Derby

For providing specialist support during difficult or high-risk situations across Kingsway, helping to keep patients and colleagues safe. The team responds professionally to incidents while continuing to check on and support staff wellbeing. They were praised as “An amazing support for patients and staff.”

• Specialist Memory Assessment and Dementia Support Service

For assessing, diagnosing and supporting people living with dementia and their families through an integrated memory assessment and older adult day service. The team reduced waiting times, strengthened post-diagnostic and culturally responsive support, and contributed to research and community awareness. Their approach is summed up by the words, “Patients are the focus of everything we do.”

This award is for working effectively for the wider benefit of the Trust and patients, demonstrating ambition and a desire to support our patients and our people.

• Application Support Team and Training Team 

For supporting the Trust’s clinical systems and helping colleagues use them confidently. The teams delivered major digital projects, including service transfers, pathology integration and training resources, while maintaining access to essential patient information. The nomination highlighted that “They have strengthened patient safety and supported hundreds of colleagues.”

• Children's Complex Health and Neurodevelopmental Pathway Admin Team

For coordinating communication and essential processes for children and families across the neurodevelopmental pathway. The admin team streamlined ways of working, embraced new technology and strengthened service resilience during staffing pressures. In the words of the nomination, “Their achievements and commitment have been truly remarkable.”

• Derwent Unit and Radbourne Unit Reception teams

For providing a vital front-line service at the Derwent and Radbourne inpatient units and helping shape the Trust’s new taxi booking platform and policy. Their testing and feedback supported safer, more consistent processes and stronger oversight. As the nomination explained, “Rather than simply adopting a new process, they helped shape it.”

• Finance department

For supporting Trust services through financial planning, reporting, budget management, costing, contracting and procurement advice. The team provides accurate, timely and practical support under pressure, and was summed up as “Dependable, collaborative and solutions-focused.”

This award is for a team or individual that has made a positive difference to the lives of the people we serve or work with every day by creating a positive culture and by embodying our values: Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative, Ambitious, Belonging. 

• Izzy Davis, Living Well Programme Team

For leading the Living Well Programme Team with kindness, openness and a strong focus on wellbeing. Izzy has created an inclusive culture where colleagues feel valued, supported to learn and encouraged to recognise their achievements. Her nominator said, “She genuinely makes a difference every single day.”

• Megan Moorhouse, Occupational Therapy - Kingfisher House

For developing the occupational therapy service at Kingfisher House from the ground up, introducing personalised activities and sensory approaches for people with significant mental health needs. Her work increased engagement and influenced the wider ward culture. The nomination explains, “She finds out who they are beneath the illness.”

• Michael Sharpe, Ward 35, Radbourne Unit, Derby

For developing and testing the Ward Hub, a digital solution designed to improve how ward staff access information and use online tools. Michael identified a frontline challenge, created a practical prototype and is exploring wider adoption. His work was described as “True improvement driven from the frontline.”

• Rajesh Nair, Perinatal, Admin, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Eating Disorder & Neurodevelopment Care Group

For providing responsive and dependable administrative support across several specialist services. Raj offers practical help and guidance, builds strong relationships and helps colleagues work collaboratively across the care group. As one colleague noted, “No matter how busy he is, he is always available to provide support.”

This award is for a team or individual that has gone to significant lengths to involve experts by experience, members of our communities or system partners in shaping their services or their work. 

• Derbyshire Healthcare Deaf Focus Group

For bringing together the local Deaf community, Deaf organisations and Trust colleagues to improve access, experience and outcomes. Co-produced work has led to the Trust’s first Deaf governor, British Sign Language web content and planned Deaf awareness training. The nomination reports that “The Deaf community is now more trusting of the organisation.”

• Marie Hickman and Emma Bayliss, Library and Knowledge Service

For creating themed memory boxes that use tactile and familiar items to encourage conversation and comfort for people living with dementia. Marie and Emma brought together colleagues, a local knitting group and public donations to develop the resource. As their nominator said, “Their project is a fantastic asset.”

• Organisational Development Programme in collaboration with the University of Derby

For combining NHS and academic expertise to help inpatient teams strengthen communication, psychological safety, inclusion and values-based working. Tailored sessions enabled staff to share experiences and shape practical improvements to culture and wellbeing. The programme aims to ensure “People feel valued, heard and supported.” 

• Psychiatry Teaching Unit, Derby

For working with community organisations and people with lived experience to make psychiatric education more practical, inclusive and person-centred. Community Health Hubs, the Expert Patient Clinic and toolkit enable students to learn directly from local people. At the heart of the programme, “Lived experience is central to student learning.”

This award is for a team or individual that excels in being respectful of, and responsive to, the needs and values of our service users, patients, children, families and carers, resulting in positive feedback or service outcomes and high levels of satisfaction.

• Alison Clarke, Perinatal Mental Health Team

For supporting women, babies and families through personalised one-to-one care and group support within perinatal mental health services. Alison builds trusting relationships, advocates for families and brings their voices into service development. Her nominator said, “She creates a space where families feel safe, listened to and never judged.”

• Anita Shannon-Squillino and Samantha Redfern, Bluebell Ward, Chesterfield

For providing compassionate, person-centred care to older adults on Bluebell Ward. Anita and Samantha take time to listen, reassure and respond to individual needs, building trusted relationships with patients and families. Their work helps ensure “Patients feel valued, respected and supported.”

• Infant Feeding Team and 0-5 Health Visiting teams

For supporting families with infant feeding, early relationships and child health during the first five years of life. The teams achieved UNICEF Baby Friendly reaccreditation above the expected standard, with 94% of mothers very happy with their care. Feedback described staff as “Kind, caring and knowledgeable.”

• Louise Butler, Initial Accommodation Centre (IAC) team, 0-19 Children's Service

For helping asylum-seeking and migrant families in Derby access health assessments, referrals and practical support despite language, trauma and digital barriers. Louise’s varied work includes follow-up care, GP registration, newborn blood spot testing and baby massage sessions. Her nominator said, “Her dedication to support vulnerable families is exemplary.”

• Pauline Sithole, County Crisis Team

For supporting people experiencing acute mental health crisis with empathy, advocacy and person-centred care. Pauline helped one person feel safe, heard and involved in decisions during a deeply distressing period. Reflecting on her impact, they said, “That moment changed everything for me.”

This award is for individuals or teams that have found new ways to deliver projects or services that demonstrate best value for our population, encourage prevention and self-care, embrace technology and/or result in environmental improvements. 

• East Midlands Gambling Harms Service

For delivering specialist psychological support for people experiencing gambling-related harm across the East Midlands. The service increased access, exceeded treatment targets and expanded awareness, flexible care and peer support across a largely remote model. As the nomination put it, “The best thing about our team is the people.”

• Information Management & Technology and Records departments

For managing information, records and data security, including complex Freedom of Information requests and records for legal proceedings. The departments collaborate to provide accurate information within tight deadlines and help the Trust meet its responsibilities. Their vital behind-the-scenes contribution was summed up as “Silent, but effective.”

• Mental Health Liaison Team

For developing a new approach to identifying and diagnosing dementia in acute hospitals through consistent assessments, improved documentation and stronger post-diagnostic pathways. The work increased capacity, supported safer discharge and reduced pressure on memory services. The nomination described this as “Innovation, workforce development and service improvement working together.”

• Vicky Hulland, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

For developing evidence for ambient voice technology in CAMHS to support clinical documentation. Vicky’s research identified potential time savings and improved work-life balance, leading to a service pilot supported by training and evaluation. Her contribution was recognised as “Fantastic leadership by role modelling the use of the system.”

This award is for showing real care and compassion for colleagues, recognising and celebrating the positive impact of inclusion and diversity and creating a sense of belonging. Open to colleagues from all levels of the organisation. (Derbyshire Healthcare staff nominations only)

• Bulelwa ‘Sylvia’ Zincume, Willow Ward/Derwent Unit, Chesterfield

For providing calm, experienced leadership on Willow Ward and across the Derwent Unit, sharing her knowledge and supporting colleagues whenever needed. Her approachable style helps staff feel safe and supported during demanding shifts. As one colleague said, “She’s one of those people who quietly holds everything together.”

• Emma Hazel, Learning Disabilities (LD) Psychology

For leading the Learning Disabilities Psychology team with warmth, resilience and a commitment to ensuring every contribution is valued, regardless of seniority. Emma’s encouragement has created a supportive team culture with a strong reputation. A colleague explained, “It makes a real difference when you feel cared about.”

• Emelie Anekwu, Physiotherapy – Bluebell Ward and Derwent Unit

For championing inclusion and diversity while supporting patients and colleagues across physiotherapy services. Emelie creates opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard and builds confidence through compassionate, authentic leadership. His nomination highlighted that “Everyone’s voice is listened to, valued and treated with equal respect.”

• Lynsey Cockerton, Chesterfield Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)

For offering reliable, fair and compassionate leadership to older adult community mental health teams, making time to listen and support colleagues through professional and personal challenges. One colleague told her, “Your willingness to listen, support and genuinely care about others makes a real difference.”

• Dr Madeleine Bonney-Helliwell, Perinatal (North Derbyshire) and Clinical Director for Specialist Services

For leading specialist services with compassion, wisdom and an inclusive focus on what colleagues can contribute. Madeleine supports people through difficult conversations and finds creative ways to help them continue developing and working. Reflecting on that support, one colleague said, “She has always believed in me.”

This award is for an individual who goes the extra mile to ensure their service is caring and compassionate and makes a difference to the lives of patients, service users, carers and colleagues. 

• Augustina Sunday, Cherry Tree Close, Derby

For bringing warmth, creativity and encouragement to mental health rehabilitation at Cherry Tree Close. Augustina supports people to build confidence through meaningful activity, including coaching service users for a badminton tournament inspired by their feedback. Her nominator said, “She has a natural ability to help people feel at ease.”

• Jess Harwood, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover Living Well Team

For maintaining medication reviews for North East Derbyshire and Bolsover Living Well patients during a period of reduced staffing. Jess managed the caseload and waiting list with professionalism while continuing to provide compassionate care and support colleagues. Her commitment was summed up in the words, “She puts HEART and soul into her role and patient care.”

• Millie Hall, Kedleston Low Secure Unit, Derby

For developing trusting therapeutic relationships with patients at Kedleston Unit and advocating for personalised occupational therapy activities. Millie has also begun an occupational therapy apprenticeship and is helping explore a seven-day service. As her nominator said, “She is an absolute asset to the OT team and MDT.”

• Nina Wiggins, Drugs and Alcohol Care Team

For showing exceptional kindness to patients and colleagues within the Drugs and Alcohol Care Team. Nina regularly provides practical comforts, including reading glasses, newspapers, clothing and toiletries, to help people feel cared for during their stay. As her nominator said, “She always puts a smile on everyone’s face.”

• Saima Mian & Helen Reah, Chaplaincy

For providing compassionate spiritual and emotional support to patients and staff across Kingsway. Saima and Helen offer time, attentive listening and reassurance, helping people feel respected and connected during periods of crisis or pressure. Their impact was captured in the words, “They remind us that compassion is at the heart of care.”

This award is for recognising outstanding performance within the organisation and celebrates growing talent at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This person will be new to the NHS or their profession and have made exceptional and ambitious contributions to their team and service. 

• Asaam Nadeem, Carsington Unit, Derby

For creating a warm and professional welcome at Carsington Unit and consistently helping patients, visitors and colleagues. Asaam has also sought opportunities to volunteer, learn more about the Trust and develop his contribution. His nominator said, “You can see he genuinely cares about doing a good job.”

• Niamh Kerry, Dietetics Team

For making a strong contribution as a dietitian degree apprentice through compassionate patient care, staff training and service improvement. Niamh has supported patients at risk of malnutrition, delivered healthy lifestyle groups and developed resources to improve nutritional care. Her nomination concluded, “She is an exceptional ambassador for the dietetic profession and apprenticeships.”

• Rosemary Ebhomien, Cherry Tree Close, Derby

For bringing compassion, positivity and initiative to her role at Cherry Tree Close since joining the NHS. Rosemary develops meaningful activity groups, encourages community participation and supports patients to build confidence and independence. A colleague said, “She has a lovely way of helping service users feel comfortable and included.”

• Sally Barnett from The Slow Girls Walk Club, High Peak for Derbyshire Recovery Partnership and Phoenix Futures

For turning lived experience into an inclusive community wellbeing resource through the Slow Girls Walk Club. Sally organises walks, open conversations and recovery support, bringing together residents, charities and public services to reduce isolation and improve mental health. Her nomination explained that “She turns personal adversity into something that draws in her whole community.”

This award is for recognising colleagues with over 40 years’ service who have dedicated their career to the NHS. They will truly reflect the Trust values and will have demonstrated a commitment to providing support and care to both patients and colleagues. (Derbyshire Healthcare staff nominations only)   

This year, the judges have decided to recognise all the nominees in this category, rather than selecting a single award winner. Congratulations to:

• Audrey Williamson, Clinical Research Team

For more than 40 years of service spanning forensic care, community mental health, outreach and clinical research. Audrey has enabled patients to take part in studies and helped ensure their experiences contribute to future mental health treatments. Colleagues said, “Her calm and reassuring presence has brought comfort to patients and confidence to colleagues.”

• David Hackett, Psychiatry Teaching Unit

For more than 40 years of NHS service across crisis teams, inpatient wards, community nursing, mental health law and medical education. David has used his clinical expertise to shape curricula and champion lived experience in the training of future doctors. His nomination recognised that “He has shaped services, influenced curricula, supported colleagues and championed lived experience.”

• Helena Goodwin, Central Chesterfield Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) - Outpatients

For 40 years of dedicated service supporting community mental health services in Chesterfield. Helena’s professionalism, loyalty and sustained contribution have made a lasting difference to colleagues and the people supported by the service. Her nomination celebrated that “Her dedication over 40 years is a remarkable achievement.”

• Kulbeer Basran, Specialist Memory Assessment & Dementia Support Service

For more than four decades of compassionate mental health care across inpatient, community, outreach, memory assessment and day services. Kulbeer, known as Cindy, has also used her language skills to improve access and provide culturally sensitive support. Her nomination said, “She models compassion, respect, inclusion, reliability and dedication.”

• Lesley Newton Griffiths, Health Protection Unit/Physical Health Hub

For more than 50 years of NHS service, from nursing and school health to vaccination programmes and the Health Protection Unit. Lesley has combined clinical leadership with a lifelong commitment to treating people as she would wish to be treated herself. A colleague said, “She brings kindness, integrity and professionalism to everything she does.”

• Susan Coxon, Domestic Services

For more than 44 years of dedicated service in Domestic Services. Susan’s long-standing contribution has helped maintain safe, clean and welcoming environments for patients, visitors and colleagues across the Trust. Her nomination recognised “More than four decades of dedicated service to the Trust.”