Healthcare Heroes Shine at First-ever Trust Awards
1 July 2025
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust proudly hosted its first-ever Healthcare Hero Awards, recognising and celebrating the extraordinary individuals and teams who go above and beyond every day to deliver exceptional care and support across the Trust.
Sponsored by a number of local organisations, the event coincided with the 77th anniversary of the NHS, and the awards ceremony took place at the Leonardo Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton. The event received over 500 nominations from staff, patients, families, and members of the public. Following a rigorous judging process, 120 finalists were invited to attend the evening of recognition and celebration.
“At the heart of every great organisation are the people who bring it to life,” said Neil Hayward, Trust Chair. “This evening is about you – the people who help us deliver outstanding care, support colleagues to thrive and help build stronger communities.
The awards are part of how the Trust recognises the contribution and dedication of staff who make a difference every day – whether on the ward or in clinics, in the office, in inpatient services, or out in the community.
The evening also served as a powerful reminder of the Trust’s CARE values – Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence – which guide how staff work, support one another and care for patients. These values are not just part of a strategy; they are lived every day through actions, relationships and culture.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare Heroes 2025
The winners for the 2025 Healthcare Hero Awards are;
Caption: Shane Innes
“Shane is gentle and kind. He will think ‘outside of the box’ to ensure the best outcomes for patients, and motivates the team to do the same. He knows each team member well and responds in different ways according to our needs and ways of working.”
Caption: Winner, Jodi Bennett and judge Sorrelle Ford, Interim Chief People Officer
"Jodi understands the unique qualities and needs of her team. She demonstrates this every day by providing a caring and safe environment to enable all the team to do their roles effectively. She carries out acts of kindness for the team, and this then helps to foster a positive and supportive atmosphere that enables the team and individuals to work effectively.”
Caption: Judge Eugene Jones, Chief Operating Officer, winner, Andreea Golovatii and Judge Ade Williams, Non-Executive Director
“Andreea works creatively with every service user, taking on board their strengths, to teach and empower them to develop their own skills and strategies to manage their mental health difficulties. Andreea has extensively studied neurodiversity, which not only has informed her practice but has also enriched the team’s knowledge and understanding.”
Caption: Winner, Louise Smith and judge Neil Hayward, Trust Chair
“Since taking over as Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist and Clinical Lead for the Parkinson’s Team, Louise has transformed the Parkinson’s Disease team. Louise has instigated close relations with Parkinson’s UK, and the nurses regularly attend the PDUK Group meetings locally. Patients have given very positive feedback that they feel better supported now.”
Caption: Judge Subashini M and the team from Hazel Ward.
“Hazel Ward’s dedication to enhancing patient safety through the integration of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) and Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives is outstanding. By embracing these frameworks, the team not only learns from incidents but also creates a supportive environment where staff feel valued and debriefed post-incident. The team has also collaborated with the national programme on the Culture of Care to address disadvantages faced by Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic service users to further demonstrate their dedication to equitable and culturally sensitive care.”
Caption: Winner, Lauren Anderson
“Lauren passionately works to improve the experience of staff facing barriers due to discrimination. Lauren supported the set-up of the safe spaces and supported a large number of staff, often out of hours, to ensure not only their safety but also that staff had a space to discuss their concerns and offer support and reassurance.”
Caption: Judges Tom Westbury, Director of Communications and Engagement and Anne Prout, Staff Side Lead, winner Trish Phillips and representative from Building Integrated Services (category sponsor)
“Trish has worked within the NHS for many years and maintains her drive, enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication to get the best for patients and getting the best from her teams. Trish has such depth of skill and knowledge in getting the best for patients and getting the best from the teams she manages.”
Caption: Judge Lou Taylor, Non-Executive Director and winner Shanaya Jones.
“Shanaya has embraced the complex nature of our patients and has dealt with challenging scenarios in a very mature and professional manner. She has been very quick to learn and when working with Dentists or Dental Therapists always thinks ahead to what we might need next, which aids the smooth and timely running of the clinic.”
Caption: Representative from Medirest (category sponsor), winner Sarah-Janye Cuthbertson and our two judges, Paula Anderson, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer and Guarav Kumar, Non-Executive Director.
“Sarah recognises the difficulties that arise in our roles and the emotional impact this can have on both clinicians and our admin team. She seeks to praise hard work and support when things are more difficult. Whether it be a smile or lending a listening ear, she brightens the most difficult days.”
Caption: Judges Andy Scorer and Roger Batterby, winner Sam Geldard and judge Lesley Stevens, Chief Quality and Engagement Officer.
“Sam has been an unwavering source of support and an incredible advocate for me throughout my journey as a patient. Her commitment to my wellbeing has gone far beyond what I would expect from a Mental Health professional. Not only has Sam helped me navigate the mental health system, but she has also empowered me to work towards my goals and create a better future for myself and my son.”
“Vanessa really reflects and role models the Trust values, treating all staff with compassion, warmth and respect, holding people to account and ensuring high standards are achieved. Her presence is reassuring in the service and her judgement is trusted, and her contribution is immeasurable.”
Caption: Representative from Medirest (category sponsor) and the winners, the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy team.
“The team are incredible in supporting the clients we work with, each other and the wider Multi-Disciplinary team to help us all cope with the challenges of the role and help the clients toward their goals. They act as advocates for those with personality disorders who may have experienced stigma.”
Ron Shields, Chief Executive, expressed his pride. He said: “Every nomination is a reflection of the compassion, enthusiasm and commitment our staff provide to the people they support every day. I really am honoured to lead an organisation with such caring, talented and innovative people who are committed to delivering the very best possible care for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It goes without saying that I am immensely proud of each and every one of them.”
The evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsors*. The Trust extends its sincere gratitude to Platinum Sponsors Medirest and Building Integrated Services, as well as Gold Sponsors Bidfood and NHS Professionals (NHSP). Silver Sponsors Brighterway and Diguru also played a vital role in supporting the event, with Diguru providing printing services. Special thanks are also given to Red Funnel for their contribution to travel support. Their collective generosity helped ensure a memorable celebration of the Trust’s dedicated staff and teams.
(* Please note: sponsorship does not equate to endorsement of a company or its products by the Trust.)
