Star Award finalists 2026

Charlotte Taylor

York

Charlotte was nominated by the parent of a young patient whose life has been transformed through her compassionate care and dedication.

After being born prematurely in 2020, the child had experienced countless hospital stays and procedures, leading to severe hospital-related anxiety. By the beginning of 2025, simply entering the hospital had become overwhelming.

Through Charlotte's exceptional support and play therapy, that fear has been replaced with confidence and excitement. Taking the time to truly understand her young patient, she built trust by remembering the little details that mattered most, communicating in ways he could understand, and ensuring every hospital visit became a more positive experience.

Her kindness, patience, and unwavering advocacy have not only helped reduce one little boy's anxiety but have also provided invaluable reassurance and support to his family.

In the words of the little boy's parent: "We feel very lucky to have been referred to Charlotte and are extremely grateful for all that she has done for our son and many other children. We would like to thank her for her excellent child-focused treatment and for being the best advocate we could have asked for to support our medically complex son."

Rhea Trower and Clare Ladle

Bridlington

Rhea and Clare were nominated by a colleague who recognised the care they provided to a patient with mental health problems and autism.

The patient attended for a blood test but had to return the following day because the request form was from a different trust. The unexpected change caused significant anxiety, and they said they would not be coming back.

To help, Rhea and Clare invited the patient and their carers to meet them for a coffee before the rearranged appointment. They reassured them that they would both be there to carry out the blood test, and they kept that promise.

The appointment went well, and afterwards they stayed for a coffee and a chat. Clare also finished her lunch break early so she could support the service user during the appointment.

Their thoughtful approach helped turn what had been a difficult experience into a positive one. The patient is now happy to return for future blood tests and is looking forward to getting a new matching sticker with Rhea.

Thank you, Rhea and Clare, for demonstrating the Trust's values and providing person-centred care.

Dr Marina Platts, Sarah Taylor, Jodie Young, and Bev Clapson-Walker

York

These colleagues received three separate Star Award nominations in recognition of their outstanding teamwork, compassion and dedication.

Together, they went above and beyond to support a patient through an incredibly challenging journey, helping them achieve life-changing milestones that once seemed out of reach. Through patience, expertise and a truly person-centred approach, they have restored confidence, inspired hope and made a lasting difference to both the patient and those around them.

Each nomination praised the team's unwavering commitment, kindness and belief in their patient's potential, highlighting the exceptional care they provided every step of the way.

A huge congratulations to Marina, Sarah, Jodie and Bev on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for embodying the very best of compassionate, collaborative care.

Michal Sladkowski

York

Michal was nominated by the Breast Care Nursing Team for being "an exceptional clinician who consistently goes above and beyond."

He works incredibly hard to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care, information and support throughout their systemic anti-cancer treatment, and his compassion, dedication and patient-centred approach make a real difference every day.

Just one recent example of his commitment saw Michal travel to Scarborough Hospital to review a patient in person when they were unable to travel to York. His kindness and willingness to go the extra mile were greatly appreciated by both the patient and the nursing team.

Michal is also passionate about supporting patients beyond the clinic, regularly speaking at patient support groups where his knowledge and enthusiasm are invaluable. He is always happy to share his expertise with colleagues, responding quickly to questions, offering advice on treatments and helping the wider team provide the very best care.

Described by his colleagues as "an all-round amazing person", Michal is a valued and trusted member of the team. His professionalism, generosity and unwavering support embody everything our Star Awards celebrate. Thank you, Michal.

Beth Loseby

York

Beth went above and beyond to ensure a patient felt supported, safe and cared for during a recent hospital visit.

The patient arrived at the Breast Imaging Unit reception for an appointment and explained that they were blind and had not visited the department since losing their sight. After checking their details, Beth realised the patient had come to the wrong area and that their appointment was elsewhere within the Unit. Rather than adding to what was already a confusing and potentially distressing situation, Beth worked with her colleagues to arrange for the patient to be seen in the Breast Imaging Unit instead.

Her kindness didn't stop there. Once the appointment had finished, Beth sat with the patient, arranged a taxi home and personally accompanied them through the hospital to the main entrance, staying with them until their taxi arrived.

Although Beth's role is not usually patient-facing, she willingly put her own work aside to ensure this patient never felt alone or overwhelmed. Her calm reassurance, compassion and willingness to help transformed what could have been a stressful experience into one where the patient felt supported every step of the way.

In the words of her colleagues: "Beth embodies the Trust's values every day, and this is just one example of the genuine care, empathy and dedication she brings to those around her. She is a truly valued member of the team and thoroughly deserves recognition."

Lucy Wood

Scarborough

Following a major gas explosion, a patient arrived at Scarborough Hospital's Emergency Department alongside their main carer, who had been seriously injured in the incident. The patient had a learning disability, was deaf, and communicated using British Sign Language (BSL).

Occupational Therapist Lucy stepped in to help, using her BSL skills to communicate directly with the patient. From the moment Lucy introduced herself in sign language, the patient's face lit up. What had been an incredibly distressing and isolating experience became one where the patient could express their needs, understand what was happening and be actively involved in decisions about their care.

Lucy went above and beyond throughout the patient's time in the department, helping to complete their hospital passport, supporting conversations with the fire service and police, and assisting with discharge planning to ensure they could safely return home with family support. She even discovered the patient was craving a chocolate biscuit and a Diet Coke, making sure these small comforts were provided during an otherwise traumatic day.

Lucy's compassionate approach, specialist skills and commitment to making reasonable adjustments had a profound impact on both the patient and their family. By ensuring clear communication at every stage, she helped reduce anxiety, preserve the patient's dignity and make an incredibly difficult experience far more reassuring.

Christine Ross, Victoria Rodriguez Jerez and Ward 26

York

A patient was recently rushed to York Hospital in need of gallbladder surgery just two weeks after giving birth.

The team on Ward 26, as well as Christine and Victoria, were recognised by the patient's husband for the exemplary care they provided.

This included finding a separate side room and a cot for the baby, a camp bed so the patient's sister was able to stay and care for the baby, a breast pump to help the patient express before surgery, formula milk, and extra food when required.

They also allowed the patient's husband to come and go with baby supplies and many other things that helped everyone care for the baby and patient while the patient was recovering from surgery.

In the words of their nominator, "While it wasn't the easiest period, having all of these things around us allowed our daughter to keep developing during those first few weeks of life."

Lotty Barks

Scarborough

A young adult patient with autism and significant social communication difficulties attended Radiology for a routine MRI, supported by their relatives and a member of the Learning Disability Team.

From arrival, the patient was overwhelmed by the hospital environment and became increasingly distressed while waiting. They were unable to keep still, struggled to communicate, and it appeared highly unlikely the scan would proceed. Given that an MRI requires lying completely still for 20 minutes in a confined, noisy space, the situation presented a real challenge.

Despite it being an exceptionally busy day within MRI, Lotty demonstrated remarkable kindness and professionalism by taking the time to truly listen and understand the patient’s individual needs. She engaged openly with the family and the Learning Disability Team colleague, valuing their insight and working collaboratively to identify what would help the patient feel safe.

Rather than focusing on time pressures or operational demands, she prioritised the person in front of her. Through skilled verbal and non-verbal communication, reassurance, and a flexible approach, Lotty built trust quickly. Even after several false starts, she remained composed and encouraging, adapting her approach without frustration or judgment. She created an environment where the patient felt safe, respected, and in control.

Because of her persistence and compassion, the patient successfully completed the full diagnostic scan. High-quality images were obtained, preventing delays in treatment and avoiding the need for rebooking or potential sedation. Most notably, the patient left the department smiling and laughing with family and staff - a complete transformation from their initial distress.

Lotty demonstrated kindness through genuine empathy and patience, openness through collaboration and adaptability, and excellence through her determination to achieve both an outstanding clinical outcome and a positive patient experience. Without her, this scan would almost certainly not have gone ahead. Her actions made a measurable clinical difference and had a lasting positive impact on the patient's hospital experience

Charlotte Simpson

York

Charlotte was nominated by a colleague who noticed her going above and beyond to support a child and their family through an incredibly complex healthcare journey.

Over several months, Charlotte worked tirelessly to coordinate a highly complex admission involving multiple specialities, including MRI under general anaesthetic, ophthalmology, ENT, dental review, and blood tests. Bringing so many teams together at the same time was no small task, but Charlotte made it happen through exceptional communication, meticulous organisation, and her calm, approachable manner.

Thanks to Charlotte’s determination and unwavering commitment, what could have been a daunting and stressful experience became a smooth and positive one for both the child and their family. Her compassion, advocacy, and ability to put the patient first ensured they felt supported every step of the way.

Charlotte consistently goes above and beyond to make things happen, and this nomination recognises the enormous difference she makes to the lives of patients and families. In the words of her nominator: "Charlotte is a real credit to the team"

Victoria Beckitt

York

Victoria was nominated by her colleague for her outstanding leadership and the positive impact she has on the team every day. In her colleague's words:

"She consistently demonstrates fairness, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to supporting the people she works with.

One of her greatest strengths is how approachable she is. She creates an environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, or seeking guidance. Her knowledge and experience are evident in the way she handles challenges and ensures that tasks are carried out correctly and to a high standard.

She has a remarkable ability to guide colleagues with patience and understanding. Rather than overwhelming people, she eases them into new responsibilities, making sure they feel supported and confident in their roles. This approach not only helps individuals grow professionally but also strengthens the overall performance of the team.

What truly sets her apart is the way she looks after everyone. She takes the time to understand each person’s situation and shows genuine consideration for their personal circumstances. Her support and empathy make a real difference in maintaining a positive and respectful workplace. She also ensures that things get done efficiently and properly, maintaining high standards while still being supportive and encouraging. Because of her leadership, the team feels motivated, valued, and confident in the work we do."

Medical Engineering

York

The team were nominated after an outstanding collaborative effort to replace 146 hospital beds across the Trust.

Ben Ives, Niall Mullins, Andrea Pasquale, Jenny Bolton, Dan Brown, Ed Hewitt, Rich Long, Katie Ward, Janine Esteves, and Darren Carmichael volunteered their time to complete this major project on a Saturday, working outside of their normal hours to minimise disruption to patient care and ward activity. Their decision ensured that patients continued to receive high-quality care without unnecessary interruption.

Careful planning, expertly coordinated by Darren, combined with the team’s shared commitment and strong communication, meant the day ran seamlessly. Despite the scale of the task, the team worked efficiently and supported one another throughout, completing the full replacement programme calmly and without issue.

Their efforts have already had a meaningful impact, improving comfort and overall experience for patients across the hospital. The project also eased pressure on ward staff, allowing them to continue their work without the added challenge of managing large-scale equipment changes during busy shifts.

The professionalism, teamwork and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, with partner organisations praising how smoothly and effectively the work was delivered

Jessica Savage

York

Jessica was nominated for her outstanding compassion and professionalism when supporting a patient through a difficult home situation.

Jess is a Perinatal Mental Health Midwife, and during a routine visit with a new mum, she created a safe and supportive environment where the patient felt able to share some personal concerns. She responded with kindness, empathy, and calm reassurance, taking the time to listen and ensure the patient felt heard and supported.

Jessica went above and beyond to help the patient access the right support and ensured both the patient and their baby were safe. She remained by their side, offering reassurance and practical help during a very challenging situation.

Jess' colleague shared that her caring approach had made all the difference, and that without her, the patient may not have felt able to open up. Her actions truly reflect the values we strive for every day, putting patients first, showing compassion, and making a real difference when it matters most.

Kate Aplin and Richard Dearing

Hull

Richard and Kate have been nominated for a Star Award following positive feedback from both clinical colleagues and a patient’s family, recognising their contribution during a rare and complex case.

A young patient was admitted with suspected tetanus after a hand injury. Tetanus is an uncommon but serious condition, with very few cases seen in the UK each year, and requires urgent treatment alongside carefully timed diagnostic testing. For the patient and their family, this was an unexpected and distressing situation following what had seemed like a minor injury.

Richard supported the coordination of urgent sample collection and transport, working across teams to ensure the necessary materials were available for testing. This included liaising with multiple departments to secure appropriate samples for antibody analysis, helping to ensure no delays in the diagnostic process.

Kate attended out of hours to process tissue samples, which is not routinely part of the microbiology on-call service. However, it was agreed that this would be clinically significant in supporting diagnosis and treatment. The samples were prepared promptly that same evening, recognising the importance of timing in achieving an accurate result.

Feedback from the patient’s family highlighted the impact of this work. Following emergency surgery, they were reassured to know that samples were being processed immediately, despite it being outside normal hours. They later shared their appreciation for the role laboratory staff played during a time of significant uncertainty, particularly as their family member recovered and was able to return home in time for Christmas.

This nomination recognises the professional judgement, responsiveness, and collaborative working demonstrated by Richard and Kate, and the important contribution of laboratory services in supporting patient care in complex and time-critical situations.

Gerry Robins

York

Dr Robins was nominated by his colleagues for always living our Trust values. He is described as exceptionally kind, endlessly approachable, and unfailingly respectful. He takes time to speak to everyone he works with, treating each person with genuine interest and as an equal. This ability to connect across teams helps create a working environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and truly supportive.

A passionate teacher, Dr Robins shares his knowledge freely and without judgement, making learning feel safe and accessible. His sharp sense of humour also shines through, helping colleagues navigate even the most challenging and high-pressure situations with perspective and positivity.

He consistently goes above and beyond to support both medical and nursing teams and is a strong advocate for patient and staff safety. He is not afraid to challenge when needed, always with the aim of improving working conditions and maintaining the highest standards of care. This demonstrates real leadership and integrity.

Dr Robins' colleagues also highlighted the care and thought he puts into supporting new team members, ensuring they feel confident, valued, and part of the team from the very beginning. In the words of colleagues Eliza and Millie: "Dr Robins exemplifies kindness, openness, and excellence in his everyday actions. His impact on staff wellbeing, team culture, and patient care makes him thoroughly deserving of this recognition. We are so very lucky to have Dr Robins and we want to thank him for all he does!"

Sara Varghese

Scarborough

Sara was nominated by a recent patient at Scarborough Hospitals' Radiology Department. Feeling anxious and claustrophobic before a CT scan, the patient had spent several sleepless nights worrying about the appointment. From the moment they met, Sara's calm, kind and reassuring approach helped to ease those fears.

She took the time to explain every step of the scan, checked that the patient understood even after they had removed their hearing aids, and stayed with them for as long as possible to provide comfort and reassurance.

Thanks to Sara's compassion and empathy, what had felt like a frightening experience became one the patient felt able to face with confidence. They said Sara had the best bedside manner they had ever experienced and that they no longer fear having the scan in the future.

Thank you, Sara, for making such a lasting difference through your kindness and outstanding patient care.

Michelle Lee

York

Michelle regularly goes the extra mile for patients and visitors – not only those at the Breast Imaging Unit, but across the whole hospital.

Her holistic, caring nature embodies the Trust values, and she is regularly praised by colleagues for her high level of care and attention. This dedication was highlighted recently when Michelle, along with colleague Elanor, was leaving work for the day and came across a lost elderly couple outside the unit.

The couple were looking for a specialist nurse they had an appointment with, but they had no paperwork and had been incorrectly directed toward the breast unit. Michelle offered to take them upstairs to see if their appointment was there, and when it wasn’t, she spent more time with them, helping find the nurse they were scheduled to see.

With kindness and a smile, Michelle escorted the couple to the correct location, in her own time, to make sure they didn’t miss an important appointment.

Michelle’s colleague, Elanor, said: “I only found out about how much help she had given them because I asked the following day. This is but one example of many. If you or your relative were vulnerable and under our care, Michelle would be someone you would be glad to meet on your journey.”

Angela Rennison

York

Angie was nominated by her colleague Bernadette in recognition of the extraordinary compassion and she showed to a patient and her family during the most difficult of moments.

While supporting a patient receiving end of life care, Angie recognised that the patient’s husband (who was managing his own health challenges) was exhausted, in pain, and facing the heartbreaking possibility of having to leave his wife in her final hours. He had already spent the night sitting in a chair, determined not to leave her side, yet physically struggling to continue.

Understanding just how important those final moments together would be, Angie went above and beyond to make the impossible possible. She worked quickly and thoughtfully to source an additional hospital bed and carefully rearranged the room, creating a temporary space where husband and wife could lie side by side. She even placed signs on the door to ensure their privacy would be respected, protecting that precious time from interruption.

While clinical care took place, she stayed with the patient’s husband, offering comfort, reassurance and a compassionate presence when he needed it most. Her support helped ease his distress and ensured he did not feel alone.

When the patient died shortly after, her husband shared just how much those final moments meant to him. Being able to lie beside his wife, hold her hand, and be truly present with her at the end is something he will carry with him forever. It brought him immense comfort in his grief.

Angie’s actions transformed an incredibly painful experience into one of dignity, closeness, and love. She demonstrated the very best of compassionate care, leaving a lasting impact on a family at a time they needed it most.