Sherwood Forest Hospitals celebrates colleagues in Annual Excellence Awards

Sherwood Forest Hospitals recently celebrated its colleagues through their Annual Excellence Awards.

The Trust that runs King’s Mill, Newark and Mansfield Community hospitals, came together to celebrate and say thanks to a number of its colleagues and partners who have gone above and beyond over the year gone by.

Dr Steve Rutter, Consultant Geriatrician, was the winner of the prestigious Lifetime Award for his outstanding contribution to healthcare after more than 20 years leading and developing geriatric services across the Trust.

Throughout his career, Dr Rutter has overseen significant service developments, including frailty initiatives in Emergency Department, the Frailty Virtual Ward, Woodland Ward for patients with dementia and delirium, and the highly successful pre-operative optimisation clinic. Colleagues described Steve as an inspiring leader, mentor and educator who has supported generations of healthcare professionals while building a strong and highly respected department.

Dr Rutter said: “It is amazing to be recognised in this way, but I love what I do and feel privileged to be able to do it. I am lucky enough to wake up every morning and look forward to coming in to work.

“I also feel lucky to work here at SFH specifically and have worked with some incredible people since I started here in 2002: doctors, nurses, therapists, porters, managers and everyone across the board.

“Whilst it is lovely to be recognised for the things I have done/achieved (and I feel passionate about the work that I do) most of this would not have been possible without the help and support of others.”

The People's Award, voted for by members of the public, was presented to Elizabeth Sansom in recognition of the profound difference she has made to patients and families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Following the loss of a loved one at King's Mill Hospital, one family nominated Lizzy for the compassionate support, guidance and understanding she provided throughout their journey. Through open and honest conversations, Lizzy worked closely with the family to ensure their experiences helped drive meaningful improvements to policies and processes, ensuring that patient and family voices continue to shape future care.

Lizzy said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been presented the ‘People’s Award. As nominations come from members of the public it feels very meaningful to me.

“Listening to the voice of our patients and those important to them is an essential part of healthcare quality improvement and is pivotal to understanding what matters the most to the people who use our services.

“I am passionate about the delivery of high-quality end of life care and I feel privileged to work at the trust, alongside my colleagues, patients and those important to them. Thank you for the nomination and award – I am very grateful!”

The Paul Robinson CARE Award, named in memory of the Trust's former Chief Executive, recognises colleagues who exemplify the Trust's CARE values.

This year's award was presented to Dr Simon Rhodes, Consultant Neonatologist, for his exceptional clinical leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to families receiving care within Neonatal Services.

Alongside his clinical expertise, Simon was recognised for the sensitive and supportive way he works with families. By taking time to listen, explain information clearly and provide reassurance during emotionally challenging situations, Simon helps families feel heard, respected and involved in decisions about their care.

His work has made a lasting difference to both patient and family experience and reflects the values that Paul Robinson championed throughout his career.

Dr Rhodes said: “I am extremely honoured to receive the Paul Robinson CARE Award. Paul was a much-loved and highly respected leader whose impact on the Trust continues to be felt - receiving an award in his name is particularly meaningful.

“I recognise that this award reflects the work of many people and the ethos and culture embedded within SFH. I am fortunate to work with an outstanding multidisciplinary team whose commitment to caring for children and families inspires me every day. This award is as much theirs as it is mine.”

Rob Simcox, Chief People Officer at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “The Excellence Awards are one of the highlights of our year and provide an opportunity to celebrate the incredible people and teams who make a difference every day.

“Whether caring for patients, supporting families, leading services or improving the experiences of others, our colleagues consistently go above and beyond in everything they do. The stories behind this year's nominations have been inspirational, demonstrating compassion, dedication and a commitment to excellence across our Trust.

“I would like to congratulate all of our winners and nominees. They should be immensely proud of the impact they have had on patients, families, colleagues and our communities.”

The awards evening took place at the One Call Stadium in Mansfield, home of Mansfield Town Football Club. It was funded entirely by donations and support from the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity, corporate sponsors Managed Healthcare, Datix, Central Nottinghamshire Hospitals plc, Skanska, B&B Press and Mills & Reeve. 

The full list of winners:

• Non-Clinical Team of the Year – The Community Diagnostic Programme Team

• Non-Clinical Individual of the Year – Sam Edwards, Undergraduate Quality Manager

• Non-clinical Rising Star Award- Cora Baugh, Occupational Health Administrator

• Clinical Team of the Year – Stroke Services

• Clinical Individual of the Year – Emma Crookes, Respiratory & Sleep Service Manager

• Clinical Rising Star– Abbie Rudkin and Dr Preetha Amma, Pathology team

• Apprentice of the Year- Kayleigh Radford, Medicine Safety & Governance Technician Team Lead

• Volunteer of the Year – John Shetliffe, Emergency Department Volunteer

• Community Partner of the Year – Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership

• The Chris McFarlane Award – Lynsey Lord, Neonatal Practice Development Matron

• The People's Award – Elizabeth Sansom, Lead Nurse for End of Life Care Team

• The Paul Robinson CARE Award – Dr Simon Rhodes, Consultant Paediatrician

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr Steve Rutter, Geriatrician

• Lifetime Achievement Award, Highly Commended, Rebecca Loveridge, Occupational Health Specialist Nurse