The incredible work of staff and volunteers at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) was celebrated at the Trust’s Exceptional People, Outstanding Care Star Awards celebration on Friday 28 April.

Therapists, nurses, domestic assistants and doctors were among those honoured as awards were presented in 10 categories. More than 240 staff attended the event in Maidstone which was hosted by Chief Executive, Miles Scott and Chairman, David Highton.

Miles said: “Every day I see the difference our staff and volunteers make to the people and families we care for and I am incredibly proud of them all. We paused our awards event for three years while we responded to the pandemic and it is wonderful to once again be able to recognise and celebrate their commitment, passion and teamwork.”

Trust Chairman, David Highton added: “On behalf of the Board and the communities we serve I want to thank and congratulate all our staff, teams and volunteers. We received a fantastic 450 nominations from colleagues and the public and they really reflect the outstanding efforts of so many people working across every area at MTW.”

The Star Award categories and winners for 2023

Patient First

For staff who go beyond normal expectations to care for patients with exceptional kindness, dignity and respect, showing the Trust commitment to putting our patients first in everything we do.

(joint winners)

Winner: Bronwyn Tetley, lead pathway nurse colorectal cancer

Winner: Lesley Smith, discharge team

Respect

For staff who champion equality, diversity and inclusion and embody the MTW values.

Winner: Kym Sullivan, divisional director of operations, Women’s, Children’s and Sexual Health

Innovation

Awarded to an individual or team who demonstrate a drive for continuous improvement, innovative thinking and willingness to embrace change and share ideas.

Winner: Virtual Fracture Clinic team

Delivery

This award recognises a support team whose work plays a key role in supporting MTW to deliver outstanding care and service to patients, staff and visitors.

Winner:  Endoscopy team

Excellence

An award that recognises excellence in leadership. A leader may not necessarily be a manager, but someone who displays behaviours that inspire others to achieve, demonstrates vision, and educates, mentors or supports others to help them develop their skills.

Winner: Anthea Randell, ward sister

Team of the Year

For a team that may have faced challenges and pressure but continued to deliver, working together to maintain care, quality or performance and contributing to our outstanding care vision.

Winner: Breast Radiology Team

Volunteer of the Year

For a volunteer who makes a real difference to a patient, relative, colleague or team through their community spirited commitment to supporting their local hospital.

Winner: Anthony Jennings

Hospital Hero

A staff superstar whose drive, enthusiasm, care and humour inspires and supports those around them.

Winner – Tracy Paxman, clinical support worker

Employee of the Year

The Employee of the Year is selected by the judging panel from staff awarded Employee of the Month. Employee of the Month provides an opportunity for any MTW member of staff or a volunteer to be recognised for their efforts.

(joint winners)

Winner: Karen Smart, domestic assistant, and Stacey Davis, senior phlebotomist

Chairman’s Award

This award recognises an exceptional member of staff or a team who have made an exemplary contribution to our ‘Exceptional people, outstanding care’ vision and have helped develop real change across the Trust. The winner is chosen by the Trust Chairman.

(joint winners)

Individual winner: Ervis Kuka, domestic assistant

Team winner: Electronic Patient Records team