Golden Stars is our annual staff awards ceremony which replaces the former Hull University Teaching Hospitals Trust awards Golden Hearts, and the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust Our Stars event.
2025 Event
Golden Stars 2025 will take place on Friday 10 October at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe. A big thank you to all of our sponsors:
Award categories and finalists
Excellence in Research and Development
This award will go to an individual or team which can demonstrate an outstanding and innovative contribution to research and development.
Our finalists are:
Academic Vascular Surgical Unit (AVSU) (HUTH) – a nationally acclaimed centre for vascular surgery research and innovation, they are dedicated to developing future leaders in vascular research, with trainees winning international prizes and securing significant research funding.
FRONTIER Clinical Team (HUTH) – this project set up to improve COPD diagnosis, offers one-hour clinic appointments with on-the-spot spirometry, resulting in over 1,000 people assessed and nearly half diagnosed and treated for COPD.
Mr Mark Rogers, Consultant Urologist (NLaG)- an outstanding leader in clinical research and innovation. Over the past year, he has spearheaded multiple clinical studies, most notably a groundbreaking commercial bladder cancer trial, he has raised NLAG’s profile in national research networks and exemplifies how clinical research can transform lives.
Excellence In Improvement and Innovation
This award recognises individuals or teams who have taken strides to constantly improve and enhance the services they provide.
Our finalists are:
Improving Ambulance Handovers (Group)– following a full clinical review and new processes, the team reduced average handover times to 26 minutes at HUTH and 37 minutes at NLAG, significantly improving Category 2 response times and patient safety
Severe Asthma Service HUTH – their VALIDATE project, an innovative redesign of asthma care, has delivered far-reaching improvements across the asthma care pathway, ensuring equitable access to specialist assessment and advanced therapies, supporting care closer to home, and reducing healthcare utilisation costs
Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) Implementation Team (HUTH) – They implemented SGRT, which uses infrared cameras to ensure precise, real-time patient positioning, within a year, which has significantly increased treatment safety, accuracy, and patient satisfaction.
Excellence in Equality, Diversion and Inclusion
Recognising a person or team which promotes equality, diversity and inclusion for service users, staff or the community.
Our finalists are:
Community Inclusion Service (NLaG) – a transformative project which began with a passionate district nurse, their work with homeless individuals, vulnerable rough sleepers, socially excluded adults, and those at high risk of health deterioration but not engaged with mainstream services has significantly reduced A&E attendances
Patricia McKenna, Lead Practice Development Nurse for Internationally Educated Nurses (NLaG) – Her role, which began with training IEN colleagues for their NMC OSCE, has evolved into a passionate vocation. She is known for her excellent listening skills, compassion, and ability to make everyone feel valued.
MRI Radiographers (NLaG) -a self-initiated research project on the experiences of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) patients during MRI scans found solutions including communication cards, transparent masks and tailored appointment slots to ensure no patient is left behind due to disability.
Partnership and Group Working Award
This award will go to the individual or team which can best demonstrate an improvement or extraordinary success through working with services and departments across the group, and other key partners.
Our finalists are:
F2SU Guardians – Liz Houchin & Fran Moverley (GROUP) – They work independently within their trusts but support each other, liaising with staff from all levels to address concerns. Their efforts have increased staff confidence in speaking up, contributing to better outcomes for patients and organisations. They are top performers regionally and nationally
Intermediate Care Team (NLaG) – have demonstrated exemplary partnership working through their integrated in-reach service. Collaborating with Adult Social Care, they provide clinical oversight and therapy to patients, preventing hospital readmissions and promoting timely discharges. Rehabilitation Team (Group) – the multidisciplinary teams at C1 Castle Hill Hospital and the Neuro Rehabilitation Centre at Goole hospital have demonstrated exceptional collaboration and innovation – prioritising patient-centred care, refining rehabilitation
Rising Star
This award looks to celebrate those taking their first steps in their NHS career- whether that’s a younger member of the team, an apprentice, or someone who’s new to the NHS. They will have demonstrated a commitment and professionalism in their service and acted as a role model for the Trust.
Our finalists are:
Jack Garfield, Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, HUTH – Jack has become a cornerstone of compassionate psychological support in major trauma care. His calm professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to quality are evident in every task he undertakes.
Libby Young, Apprentice Healthcare support worker (HUTH) – She consistently meets targets and submits high-quality work, earning positive feedback from both her clinical area and college tutor. Libby is praised for her empathy, dedication, and professionalism, making her a great ambassador for the apprentice programme
Stevie Harrison, Clinical Research Nurse, (HUTH) – Stevie is enthusiastic, reliable, and thoughtful, consistently supporting both patients and colleagues. Her potential in research is evident, and the team is excited to see her continued growth
Inspirational Leader
In recognition of an inspiring leader who motivates and encourages their team to achieve great things. The winner will be a compassionate and visionary role model for staff. They do not need to be a senior manager, as we find leadership at all levels.
Dr Ganesh Gopalakrishnan, Consultant Anaesthetist (HUTH) – an outstanding leader of the anaesthetic department, making it a desirable place to work. He is flexible in job planning, accommodating colleagues’ needs and supporting their work-life balance. He is approachable, contactable, and always responds with kindness.
Nathan Madsen, Clinical Coding Site leader, (HUTH) – an exceptional leader who has created a supportive, engaged, and high-performing team. He leads by example and fosters a culture of open dialogue, continuous learning, and mutual respect.
Sandra Wright, Therapies Operational Lead Outpatients (HUTH) – an inspirational leader who motivates and inspires her team with care and compassion, she actively listens and responds to the needs of her staff, fostering trust and embedding patient care at the heart of her services.
Unsung Hero Award
Working tirelessly behind the scenes, they rarely receive recognition or acclaim for the vital work they do day in day out to keep our services running smoothly. This person largely goes unnoticed, but now is their time to shine. They may work in an area of the Group which is less high profile but their contribution is essential.
Heather Johnston, Healthcare Assistant (NLaG) – a vital support to the ITU team, known for her compassion and willingness to go above and beyond for patients and their families. Her approach—treating patients and relatives as she would her own family—creates comfort during the most difficult moments.
Maggie Moran, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist (HUTH) – Maggie exemplifies excellence, leadership, and compassion. Her dedication to professional development, patient advocacy, and mentorship makes her an outstanding role model for colleagues and patients alike.
Scholey Hammond, Booking Clerk (NLaG) – Scholey has been an essential part of the administrative team for eight years, consistently demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to patient care.
Chief Executive’s Award
Our Chief Executive will choose a winner from our Shining Lights awards scheme.
Outstanding Flow Project
A nod to the FLOW campaign launched across the group in 2024, this award recognises the efforts to improve flow throughout our hospitals and community services – whether that’s a small initiative in your department to reduce waste or improve efficiencies or a larger scale project across your care group, trust, group or even our region. You could be focused on improving the flow of finances, people or careers.Outstanding Contribution to Digital Innovation
This award will go to an individual or team who have significantly transformed patient care or patient /hospital procedures and administration, or non-clinical services, though the introduction of innovative digital solutions.
Advice and Refer Project Group (HUTH) – this pilot in Cardiology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology has shown promising results in reducing waiting times for up to 70% of patients referred from GPs, benefits include earlier diagnosis and treatment, reduced waiting times, and improved patient experience.
Clinical Decision Unit Implementation – a collaboration between ED, ePMA Training Team, Web V Team, and Pharmacy, the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) was created by reconfiguring two bays to hold six chairs, providing four extra spaces. As a result 4 hour performance improved and ambulance handovers reduced.
OPAT service (HUTH) – The OPAT service has significantly improved patient flow by enabling early discharge for patients needing ongoing intravenous (IV) or complex oral antibiotic therapy. 50 patients have been able to administer their own IV antibiotics at home, saving 1,331 bed days.
Ward 36 (HUTH) – a multidisciplinary unit adept at managing complex discharges and patient care across various specialties, with staff receiving specialised training to support diverse patient needs
Outstanding Support Team
The winning support team will have a great team spirit and sense of collective purpose. They will communicate and engage well with their colleagues and other parts of the Trust and will have excelled themselves in the last 12 months with an inspirational effort.
Our finalists are:
HUTH / APCOA Security Team (HUTH) – plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of the hospital community. Their teamwork has been vital in managing numerous incidents and driving new initiatives to ensure the latest technology is in place
Domestics ED Scunthorpe (NLaG)- they are essential for the hospital’s smooth operation and the health, safety, and dignity of patients and staff. They maintain cleanliness to prevent infections, working meticulously 24/7, consistently achieving 4-5 star ratings in weekly technical audits
Physiotherapy and Hand Therapy admin teams (NLAG) – they demonstrated exceptional dedication during a critical transition period, successfully migrating patient records to a new primary provider system, ensuring no patients were missed and adhering to GDPR guidelines.
Outstanding Clinical Team
The winning clinical team will have great team spirit and sense of collective purpose. They will communicate and engage well with their colleagues and other parts of the Group and will have excelled themselves in the last 12 months with an inspirational effort.
Our finalists are:
Academic Oncology and Haematology Research Department (HUTH) – they are at the forefront of cancer research, delivering internationally practice-changing clinical trials and studying next-generation cancer therapies. Their work benefits individual patients, families, staff, and the wider service, positioning the team as a forward-thinking group
Acute Medical Team (NLaG) – A dynamic and flexible group supporting all aspects of patient care from admission to discharge. They respond positively to operational pressures, ensuring timely treatment and discharge, and their work in the Emergency Department has prevented approximately 400 admissions per month, improving patient pathways and experiences.
Frailty Team (Group)- they have redefined integrated, patient-focused care for older people living with frailty Their work has led to significant improvements, including reduced Length of Stay, admission avoidance, and faster discharges.
Healthcare Heroes
This award gives patients and their families the opportunity to tell us about their NHS heroes, the people who made a real difference at their time of need, improved their experience and created a lasting positive impact.
Our finalists are:
Louise Salt, Clinical Nurse Specialist (NLaG)
Louise has been a constant source of support for a cancer patient over the past five years, and is credited with their current remission, The patient expressed deep gratitude for her dedication and care.
North Lincolnshire Macmillan Healthcare Team (NLaG)
A family nominated the team for the end of life care given to their mother, ensuring she was comfortable and well-looked after and in her chosen place allowing the family to say their final goodbyes in their home.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Respiratory Specialist Care Nurses (HUTH) – Their support made a profound difference throughout a patient’s illness and before she passed, she asked her family to express her heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, recognising the pivotal role they played in her care and well-being over nearly a decade.
Chairman’s Award
A surprise award, to recognise an outstanding contribution to patient care – it could be a team or individual and the winner will be revealed on the night.
Lifetime Achievement
The winning individual will have dedicated at least 25 years of their career to the NHS. They will truly reflect the 6Cs: Care, Compassion, Competence, Courage, Communication, Commitment; and embody the values of the organisation.
Our finalists are:
Phil Vokes, Head of Audiology (HUTH) – retiring after a remarkable 44-year career dedicated to Audiology services at Hull, Phil’s extensive knowledge is unparalleled and his dedication and hard work have consistently gone above and beyond, earning him the respect of colleagues and partners alike.
Professor Duncan Ettles, Consultant Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiologist (HUTH) – a pioneering Consultant whose four-decade career has transformed Hull into a centre of excellence for vascular interventional radiology. Renowned for his clinical innovation and multidisciplinary patient care, he is equally distinguished as an educator, having led national training reforms and mentored generations of radiologists worldwide.
Teresa Jackson, Clinical Nurse Specialist (NLaG) – After dedicating 61 years to Grimsby hospital and the NHS, her compassion, and embodiment of NHS values have made her an inspiration, reflected in heartfelt praise from colleagues and patients alike.
Sponsorship opportunities
Sponsorship brochureIf you would like to get involved and sponsor Golden Stars 2025, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Previous winners
View a gallery of our 2024 winners on Flickr:
Shining Lights scheme
Nominations open all year round! The Shining Lights recognition scheme celebrates staff within NHS Humber Health Partnership who go the extra mile to brighten the days of patients, staff, and visitors. Whether it’s a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply easing someone’s anxiety, these small acts make a huge difference. They’re what make us proud of our local hospitals!
Tell us about the individuals or teams who have been a Shining Light for you or someone you know. Share their act of kindness and how it made a positive impact.
