Excellent care, dedication and compassion celebrated at 16th annual NHS Staff Awards

Our Trust has celebrated the outstanding care, dedication and compassion of staff, partners and volunteers at our 16^th Staff Awards.

More than 170 people attended the event, held at The Harbour Hotel, Guildford on Thursday, 16 May. There were 12 award categories including Employee of the Year for each of our five divisions, and a Special Award for a Carer or Person with Lived Experience. This rewards the significant contribution of people who have used our services in the work of the Trust.

Speaking at the event, Graham Wareham, Chief Executive of our Trust said: “These awards celebrate the incredible hard work and dedication that is put into supporting those who use our services and carers – in what can sometimes be challenging circumstances. They also recognise the huge amount of creative thinking and innovative talent that exists across our Trust and how it’s being harnessed to improve and develop what we do.”

Aruna Mehta, Chair of our Trust said: “2023 was a year full of success, innovation, teamwork and inspiration. This evening, we are paying tribute to the outstanding individuals and teams who shone so brightly, inspiring others and showing compassion and leadership.”

This year, 380 award nominations were made by staff, partner organisations and people who use our services and their carers. Entries were scored by an independent panel which included Trust directors and governors. Winners received Gold, Silver or Bronze awards.

Employee of the Year in our Learning Disability and Neurodiversity Services went to Dr Sarah Maber, Consultant Psychiatrist in Intellectual Disability in our Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities, West Surrey. Dr Maber was nominated for the award by a mother with a son who is supported by the service. She said: “Dr Maber is an exceptional leader and very dedicated. She has been working with my son for the last four years and has become our voice and is able to present his needs with ease and precision to ensure he receives appropriate treatment. We owe her great gratitude for her compassion and commitment.”

Employee of the Year in Hospitals and Specialist Services was awarded to Carly Eeles, Specialist Midwife in our Maternity Mental Health Service. Carly received the award for her work to support women with tokophobia, a fear of childbirth and pregnancy, working with them to ensure they have a positive and healing birth experience. All of the women who have given birth after being supported by Carly have given feedback to say that she was instrumental in ensuring their birth process was positive and none of the women have required further mental health support.

Clinician of the Year went to Sima Magama, Senior Matron at Farnham Road Hospital. The award recognised Sima’s work to recruit international nurses and ensure that they feel valued as part of our workforce. Sima was also recognised for her dedication to supporting colleagues to develop their clinical skills and knowledge, in turn improving care for those that we support.

Among those recognised was Dr Antonio Fialho, Consultant Psychiatrist in our Adult Mental Health Services. Dr Fialho was awarded a silver Clinician of the Year award and was nominated by several people who use our services. The nominations highlighted the incredible care and dedication Dr Fialho provides to the people he supports. One nominator said: “Dr Fialho has always gone above and beyond to help me. He is an incredibly wise doctor whose opinion I value hugely. I am so very grateful.”