News
Latest news and updates about Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust including MTW Hospitals Charity and research news.
Employee of the Month winners
Our Employee of the Month awards recognise members of staff, teams and volunteers who demonstrate outstanding care and service through their actions, compassion and innovation.
Each month, patients, families, members of the public and colleagues nominate individuals and teams who have made a meaningful difference. Nominations are reviewed by a panel of staff judges from departments across our hospitals.
Nominate a colleague or a team for Employee of the Month.
Congratulations to our Employee of the Month winners recognised so far this year.
January
Karen Smith: Radiology Receptionist, Maidstone Hospital
Karen received six nominations, each describing how her kindness, positivity, respect and support for staff and patients make a real difference.
She is described as a ‘team player’ with a ‘big heart’, who brings new ideas and solutions to the department, including creating colouring packs for young patients.
February
Cancer Performance team
The Cancer Performance team was chosen as the winner for the essential role they played in achieving a record-breaking 90.6% of patients treated in 62 days in December 2025.
The team is responsible for monitoring, tracking, and improving patient pathways to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for cancer.
Their nomination described how the team’s resilience, teamwork and hard work have a real impact on patient care.
March
Julia Collings, Junior Sister, Ward 21
Julia was nominated by a patient’s daughter for the outstanding care she provided her mother, who is living with dementia, during her hospital stay.
The nomination described Julie as ‘the very best of what nursing can be’.
It detailed how she placed the patient’s wellbeing at the heart of every decision, treated the patient with dignity and respect, and adapted her communication style to suit their needs.
April
Vicky May, Dementia Key Worker
Vicky was given the award in recognition of her commitment and compassion in caring for patients living with dementia.
Vicky’s nominations gave several examples of her outstanding work, including engaging patients with activities that are meaningful to them, promoting dignity and respect, and consistently demonstrating kindness and commitment.
One of the nominations also described the overwhelmingly positive feedback that the team regularly receive from patients’ relatives about Vicky.
May
Harvey Dunbar-Gowdy, Senior Theatre Practitioner
Harvey was nominated by a colleague for his exceptional commitment to patient care, safety, teamwork and service improvement.
He was described as consistently going above and beyond in his role and having ‘a profoundly positive impact on both patients and colleagues’.
Harvey’s nomination described how he takes the time to communicate clearly with patients and anticipate their needs, ‘helping them feel heard, valued and safe’.
June
Mia Cassam, Staff Nurse, Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit
Mia was named Employee of the Month for the positive impact she has on students, patients and fellow team members every day.
The nomination described Mia’s compassionate approach and ability to create a supportive environment for everyone around her, detailing how Mia takes time to listen, explain and reassure, helping patients feel comfortable and understood.
Mia was also praised for the care and encouragement she provides to students, often noticing when someone may be struggling or in need of additional support.