Meet your Golden Stars 2026 winners

This nomination recognises the implementation of a blood-borne virus (BBV) opt-out testing programme across Emergency Departments in Hull, Grimsby, and Scunthorpe, led by Nick Easom and a multi-disciplinary team. The programme enables routine HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C testing for patients requiring blood tests, increasing early diagnosis and access to treatment in high-prevalence areas. The initiative addresses significant public health challenges, including high rates of undiagnosed infection and late diagnosis, with local data showing elevated prevalence and reinfection rates. In its first three months, the programme achieved a 76% screening uptake and identified 50 new patients, linking them promptly to care. Early diagnosis enables timely treatment, preventing serious complications, reducing transmission, and improving long-term outcomes. Delivery required extensive collaboration across departments including Emergency Medicine, Infectious Diseases, pathology, digital, and BI teams, alongside robust staff training and pathway development to embed sustainable practice.

The Pharmacy and Patient Discharge Assistant (PDA) teams redesigned discharge medicines processes across frailty wards using a simple digital solution, significantly improving flow without additional funding or staffing. By replacing phone calls, bleeps, and paper-based communication with a shared Microsoft Teams system, they created real-time visibility of discharge requests and enabled pharmacists to respond quickly and coordinate effectively. This reduced average discharge prescription processing time by 24% (from 1 hour 53 minutes to 1 hour 26 minutes), while activity increased by 19%, releasing approximately 31 hours of capacity per week. Early clinical checking reduced rework, improved medicines safety, and prevented delays caused by last-minute changes. The model enhanced teamwork, ensured continuity across staff absences, and reduced wasted effort such as duplicated communication and unnecessary movement between wards. The approach has improved patient experience, reduced operational pressure, and is now spreading organically across other teams, demonstrating sustainability and system-wide impact.

Following the withdrawal of a national breast screening software system, this team urgently developed a new surveillance pathway to protect follow-up care for approximately 4,450 patients annually, including cancer survivors and high-risk groups. Using existing Trust systems (Lorenzo and Soliton), they created an integrated process to track patients, schedule mammograms, complete regulatory requirements, and manage reporting workflows efficiently. The team transferred existing patients onto new access plans and manually created thousands of missing requests to ensure full compliance. They designed automated reporting routes, ensuring abnormal results were escalated to MDTs while routine results generated patient letters promptly. Delivered in just eight weeks through intensive collaboration across radiology, surgery, administration, IT, and PACS, the system was rigorously tested and refined using trial patients. It has now been implemented successfully with no disruption to patient care, maintaining early detection of recurrence while avoiding thousands of unnecessary clinic appointments and preserving clinical capacity.

Claire Glenville has delivered a transformational quality improvement project to improve engagement and wellbeing for Bank staff through the creation of the “Dandelion Suite.” Recognising low engagement, burnout, and lack of belonging among Bank nurses, she led a project using the A‑EQUIP framework to embed restorative clinical supervision and create a safe, dedicated space for reflection and support. The initiative removed significant barriers to engagement, replacing impersonal and anxiety-provoking processes with a welcoming, psychologically safe environment. As a result, engagement with supervision has increased, with staff reporting feeling valued, supported, and more confident to reflect and speak up. This has improved teamwork, communication, and patient safety by reducing burnout risks and supporting better decision-making. The project also delivers organisational benefits, including improved retention, reduced sickness absence, and lower reliance on agency staffing. Recognised nationally and supported by digital feedback and workforce analytics, the model is measurable, sustainable, and scalable across the NHS

The REACH (Reasonable Adjustments for Equity, Accessibility and Confidence Hub) programme, led by Lynne Stothard with strategic oversight from Sarah Addleshaw and Lindsey Harding, has delivered a transformational improvement in support for staff with disabilities. Established to address inconsistent access to reasonable adjustments and significant organisational risk, REACH provides specialist, centralised expertise for both staff and managers. Since launching in August 2025, the service has supported 148 referrals, significantly reducing adjustment implementation times from months to an average of two and a half weeks. The programme has improved workforce retention, reduced distress and absence, and strengthened legal compliance with the Equality Act. It has also secured over £22,000 in Access to Work funding while preventing high-risk cases from escalating into grievances or legal claims. Staff feedback highlights increased confidence, support, and fairness. REACH has created a sustainable, proactive system that improves staff experience, organisational culture, and risk management while ensuring equitable access for all colleagues.

Ann Kristensen, Principal Pharmacist, has made an outstanding contribution to patient safety through multiple high-impact initiatives within neonatal care and medicines governance. She led the development of standardised infusion pump libraries for NICU, reducing the risk of dosing and infusion errors in a highly vulnerable patient group by introducing safe limits and consistent drug concentrations. She also authored an extensive set of intravenous drug monographs, making critical safety information readily accessible at the bedside via a digital platform. Her detailed neonatal TPN audit resulted in the introduction of standardised regimens aligned with national guidance, improving safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes. In addition, Ann leads controlled drug governance, overseeing audits and ensuring compliance with legal and professional standards, reducing risk to patients and staff. Her work demonstrates sustained commitment to improving medication safety, reducing errors, and embedding safer systems, making a significant and lasting impact across neonatal and wider Trust services.

The neoGASTRIC team across Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana Princess of Wales Hospital has delivered exceptional performance in one of the largest neonatal trials globally, transforming research culture across both units. Despite limited prior experience and no dedicated research time, staff embraced the study with enthusiasm, completing training and embedding research into daily practice. The trial evaluates whether omitting routine gastric residual measurements in preterm infants improves feeding outcomes, addressing a key evidence gap in neonatal care. Recruitment far exceeded expectations, with 86 infants enrolled against a target of 30, including a milestone 7000th global participant. Staff maintained high-quality data collection and adherence to trial protocols, ensuring reliable outcomes. The initiative has led to a sustained culture shift, with increased research engagement, training uptake, and creation of Research Link Nurse roles. It has improved parent experience through confident communication and support, and established a foundation for future studies, positioning the Trust at the forefront of neonatal research.

Bethany Martin, a ward clerk in Same Day Emergency Care, has been repeatedly recognised by patients for her exceptional kindness, professionalism, and impact at what can be a highly stressful point in their care journey. As the first point of contact, she consistently creates a calm and reassuring environment, greeting patients warmly, explaining processes clearly, and ensuring individuals feel informed and supported. Despite working in a busy, fast-paced department, she never rushes interactions, listens attentively, and treats all patients with dignity and respect. Feedback highlights her ability to reduce anxiety, particularly for those who are vulnerable, confused, or distressed. She manages administrative duties efficiently while maintaining a compassionate, patient-centred approach. Multiple nominations describe her going above and beyond, including personally assisting patients, checking on their wellbeing, and providing clear guidance on appointments and care pathways. Her dedication enhances patient experience, improves confidence in services, and demonstrates the vital role of non-clinical staff in delivering outstanding holistic care.

Socrates Tiaga, a nurse in Interventional Radiology, has made an exceptional impact in a highly specialised area despite having no prior experience. Demonstrating strong commitment and capability, he completed a demanding training and competency programme in just four months—significantly faster than expected—enabling him to undertake advanced on-call responsibilities and support service delivery. His clinical skills, reliability, and patient-centred approach have quickly established him as a highly competent practitioner, with patients valuing his approachable and reassuring manner. Beyond his clinical contribution, Socrates has had a transformative effect on team culture. His positivity, enthusiasm, and supportive behaviour have improved staff morale, engagement, and working relationships, helping to address challenges around team dynamics. He has also shown leadership potential by undertaking training as a Professional Nurse Advocate, recognising the importance of staff wellbeing alongside patient care. His influence extends beyond immediate duties, marking him as a rising star with significant potential to shape both patient and staff experience.

Alison Crossland, Team Lead for Acute Therapy, demonstrates inspirational leadership through compassion, innovation, and unwavering support for her team within a high-pressure clinical environment. She creates a psychologically safe workplace where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to develop, balancing operational demands with genuine care for wellbeing. Alison is highly approachable and responsive, adapting work patterns and providing personalised support during challenging personal and professional circumstances, ensuring staff feel respected rather than burdened. She actively promotes development by encouraging further education, mentoring colleagues, and creating opportunities for learning and leadership growth. Her initiatives, including team-building activities, wellbeing challenges, and innovative supervision approaches, have strengthened team cohesion and morale. Clinically, she has driven service improvements such as earlier therapy involvement in emergency care, enhancing patient flow and outcomes. Alison leads by example, combining strong clinical leadership with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement, making a lasting impact on both staff experience and patient care.

Senthilkumar Durairaj is recognised as a highly dedicated clinician whose exceptional work ethic, compassion, and reliability underpin the success of his haematology service. He consistently demonstrates a proactive “I will do it” approach, taking ownership of challenges and ensuring safe, high-quality care even under significant pressure. His contributions span clinical, operational, and educational domains, including redesigning doctor rotas to improve fairness and resilience, extending clinic hours to meet demand, and introducing advanced treatment pathways such as bispecific antibodies with associated protocols and staff training. He is widely praised by trainees for his knowledge, approachability, and mentorship, often anticipating patient needs in advance. Patients value his empathy, communication, and commitment to personalised care. Working largely behind the scenes, he has streamlined clinic flow, reduced waiting times, and ensured timely access to treatment. His quiet leadership, sustained effort, and unwavering focus on patient outcomes make him the backbone of his service and a truly deserving Unsung Hero.

The SGH Outpatients Department Team exemplifies outstanding teamwork, clinical excellence, and commitment to continuous improvement across multiple specialties. Supporting a wide range of services, the team has shown exceptional flexibility by taking on additional clinics and supporting other departments to reduce waiting times and maintain safe, compassionate care. Their strong focus on staff engagement and development has created an inclusive, supportive environment, with opportunities for training, apprenticeships, and wellbeing initiatives enhancing morale and retention. Through targeted quality improvement projects, the team has delivered measurable improvements in clinic flow, efficiency, and patient experience, including digital transformation and enhanced skill mix. Their collaborative approach across clinical, operational, and external partners has strengthened service integration and responsiveness. In addition, the team demonstrates strong financial and environmental responsibility through resource optimisation and sustainability initiatives. Their collective effort, adaptability, and patient-first ethos make them a highly effective, resilient, and impactful clinical team.

The Switchboard Communications Team is an essential and highly skilled frontline service, providing both operational coordination and compassionate human support as the Trust’s first point of contact. Handling over one million calls annually, they consistently deliver calm, professional, and empathetic responses to patients, relatives, and staff, often during moments of distress or uncertainty. Their role is critical to patient safety, coordinating emergency responses including cardiac arrests, trauma alerts, and major incidents, where their accuracy and composure are vital. The team demonstrates exceptional resilience and teamwork, maintaining a 24/7 service while covering staffing gaps and managing significant operational pressures. Their contribution extends beyond call handling, with responsibilities spanning alarms, emergency coordination, and system-wide communication. Trusted across the organisation, they are widely recognised as a reliable source of knowledge and support, playing a crucial, often unseen role in ensuring safe and effective care delivery.

Julie Bonewell has dedicated over 45 years of exceptional service to the NHS, demonstrating unwavering commitment to patient care, staff development, and organisational excellence. Beginning her career as a ward nurse, she progressed through senior clinical and leadership roles including Matron of Intensive Care and Head of Nursing, consistently placing patients and families at the centre of care. As Manager of the Nurse and Staff Bank, she now oversees a large workforce, ensuring safe, reliable staffing across services and championing high standards through initiatives such as the Care Certificate and NMC revalidation. Julie is widely respected for her compassionate leadership, mentorship, and ability to support staff through challenging situations with honesty and empathy. Her contributions to workforce sustainability, staff wellbeing, and patient care—alongside her willingness to go above and beyond—have left a lasting legacy across the Trust.

Every year our Chief Executive picks a winner of a surprise award from our Shining Lights scheme.  This nomination came from a colleague who witnessed an incredible moment of compassion and teamwork, when a vulnerable young patient needed urgent support during an extremely distressing time. They said “This wasn’t just a win for clinical care — it was a shining example of humanity, multidisciplinary teamwork, and patient-centred advocacy.”

Congratulations to Scott Evans, Melanie Hotson, Jennifer Rea, Charlotte Tindall and Sushil Rekhraj