Published on:
Tuesday 9th May 2023
Our Trust last week celebrated the outstanding care, compassion and commitment of staff, partners and volunteers at its 15th annual Staff Awards.
The awards were the first to be held in person by our mental health and learning disability NHS Trust since the Covid-19 pandemic. There were 12 award categories including Leader of the Year, Clinician of the Year, Team of the Year, and a new category, Special Award for a Carer or Person with Lived Experience. This rewards the significant contribution of people who use our services and who contribute to the work of the Trust.
More than 180 people attended the event, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, on Thursday, 3 May. The special guest speaker was the broadcaster and campaigner, Nick Ross CBE, best known for presenting Crimewatch and flagship radio programmes including World at One.
Speaking at the event, Surrey and Borders Partnership, Chief Executive, Graham Wareham said: “These awards highlight examples of truly inspirational people being ambitious and passionate about their role in our organisation. Each of our finalists represents a story, an example of the outstanding care, support and treatment that takes place every day in our services. I feel incredibly proud to be sharing these examples of excellence with you.”
Before moving into journalism, Nick Ross OBE, had planned to be a clinical psychologist and had worked as an auxiliary nurse. Commenting on the awards at the end of the evening, he said: “It has been humbling to hear these stories. This area of healthcare can be challenging and I am in awe of the compassion and commitment of the staff working at the Trust.”
A round up of our winners is provided below. This year the Trust received its highest number of entries, with just under 430 nominations submitted for teams and individuals in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Entries were scored by an independent panel which included Trust directors and governors. Winners received Gold, Silver or Bronze awards.
Inspirational Leader of the Year
The winner of the Inspirational Leader of the Year went to Naomi Nyakudya, our Lead Learning Disability Nurse. Naomi works in our community team for people with a learning disability in Guildford. Naomi was described a fantastic lead nurse and an incredible role model for her team. She is passionate about supporting people with a learning disability and goes the extra mile to deliver a responsive service often working outside of her full-time hours.
Clinical of the Year
Clinician of the Year went to Dr Abigail Crutchlow, Perinatal Clinical Lead, who is based at our Perinatal Mental Health Service in Epsom. The service supports people with serious or complex mental health needs who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or have a baby up to 24 months old. Dr Crutchlow was described as a wonderful and caring doctor. A mum who nominated her said: “She really listens to me, is responsive to my needs and gives me the confidence to be the best mum possible. I have a beautiful baby and thanks to Dr Crutchlow I've taken her advice and I've stayed well.”
Team of the Year
Team of the Year went to New Spenser Ward. This is a 20 bed acute assessment and treatment inpatient unit for females aged 65 and over based in Chertsey. The team was praised for managing the safe, smooth and caring transfer of people to a new temporary, purpose-built building while the construction of a new permanent mental health unit is completed. Both buildings are on the St Peter’s Hospital site.
Special Award for a Carer or Person with Lived Experience
The new Special Award for a Carer or Person with Lived Experience went to Janet Griffin who is the parent of a talented son who has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Janet has made a real difference in educating a wide range of people (including professionals) about FASD and has helped to reduce stigma and inform people about the condition.
Involvement and Contribution Award of the Year (for partners who work with Surrey and Borders Partnership)
Involvement and Contribution Award of the Year (for partners who work with Surrey and Borders Partnership) was awarded to Richmond Fellowship. The charity provides a range of mental health recovery services, including help with employment. The team were praised for going above and beyond in helping people who use our Trust’s services.
Healthcare Support Worker of the Year
Healthcare Support Worker of the Year went to Gabriel Gilceava, Associate Practitioner, Crisis and Home Treatment Team. A senior consultant working with Gabriel, said: ‘People who use services always ask me to feed back about how much they like Gabriel and how well he has supported them through their crisis.”
Employee of the Year
Employee of the Year: Services for People with Learning Disabilities was awarded to Katie Nurse, Accessible Communication and Engagement Lead. Katie works with individuals who are not able to communicate verbally. She has given them a voice by introducing assistive technology, such as ipads and interactive whiteboards in our care homes. The boards enable people to communicate their choices and thoughts via pictures, drawing and music.
Employee of the Year: Working Age Adult Mental Health Services went to Kelly Nolan, Clinical Nurse Specialist. Kelly was described as a great team leader and praised for her commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering an outstanding experience for people who use our services.
Employee of the Year: Older People’s and Specialist Services went to Babatunde Oyeneyin, Physiotherapist, Farnham Road Hospital, Guildford. Babatunde is dedicated and proactive physiotherapist who is focused on improving people’s quality of life. His enthusiasm for his work shines through in everything that he does and he is an ambassador for the profession.
Employee of the Year: Children and Young People’s Services was awarded to Adam Curtis, Urgent Care Pathway Practitioner. Adam is a whirlwind of energy. He is excellent at communicating with young people and their families and supporting them to engage with relevant interventions.
Employee of the Year: in a Corporate setting went to Donna Clunie, Group Leader, Apple Tree Day Nursery, part of Surrey and Borders Partnership. A carer of someone who uses the nursery, said “Donna went above and beyond to help us support my son when he showed difficulty with mobility. If it wasn't for her knowledge, kindness and thoughtfulness, he would have suffered a lot of setbacks growing up. She is an incredible childcare professional.”
Administrative Employee of the Year in a Clinical Setting was awarded to Jenny Roberts-Cox, Business Lead, STARS (Sexual Trauma Assessment, Recovery and Support) and New Leaf Service (which supports children and young people who are in care, care leavers, adopted and/or under Special Guardianship Orders who are affected by developmental trauma and attachment difficulties). Jenny is knowledgeable, approachable, and always available in times of need, no matter how small or large the job is.
