Every day, thousands of colleagues across NELFT work with kindness, compassion and dedication to improve the lives of our communities.  We are shining a light on those whose contribution goes above and beyond, champions of innovation, partnership, inclusion and patient care who embody the very best of our organisation.

This year we want to spotlight those staff who have demonstrated the impact that passionate, values-driven people can make, whether caring for individuals and families, supporting colleagues, improving services, or strengthening our communities. Their stories reflect the heart of NELFT: working together, showing respect, and always striving to make a positive difference.

 

These are the winners of our We are NELFT Staff Awards 2025

Chief Executive and Chair’s Special Recognition

Caroline Okworu, Matron

Caroline offers meaningful, patient centred care and leads by example.

Caroline has a true commitment to excellence and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring patients and carers are supported, to give them the best experience. She is affected by moments when plans fall short and therefore creates an environment of learning and accountability to ensure improvement and progress is maintained.

Her staff see and experience this and excel because she listens and responds to their needs, motivating and enabling them at every opportunity, no matter how challenging.

We want to honour and recognise Caroline’s contribution and tell her to keep going. This is the leadership we want to see in our tomorrow.

 

NELFT NHS Charity Fundraiser of the Year

Paediatric Physiotherapy Team, Thurrock

Based at Thurrock Community Hospital and Great Oaks, this remarkable physiotherapy team have united around a shared goal: raising £50,000 for specialist equipment to support children with mobility challenges, equipment not funded by the NHS. Their creativity, teamwork and determination have already raised more than £7,000, including £1,000 from a 20km team walk through central London. Their inspiring efforts bring hope to families and demonstrate the power of working together for our youngest patients.

 

Patient and Carer Leadership

Hazel Gibbons

A tireless advocate for mental health in Havering, Hazel’s leadership, courage and generosity have transformed services and empowered countless service users and carers. Despite her own lived experience, she leads the Havering Mental Health Forum, co-produces peer support initiatives, and played a pivotal role in creating the Crisis Café. Alongside her therapy dog, Zac, Hazel brings warmth and comfort to patients at Queen’s Hospital. She represents resilience, hope and the true power of lived experience in shaping more inclusive, compassionate care.

 

ED&I Hero

Danielle Goddard (now Hazelwood)

Danielle has championed equality, diversity and inclusion across her team, establishing safe spaces for neurodivergent staff, creating wellbeing networks, and embedding cultural awareness into everyday practice. Her empathy and commitment have strengthened team culture and ensured young people, families and colleagues feel valued, understood and supported. Danielle shows how inclusive leadership can change lives.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Roy Li

With more than three decades of NHS service, and over 15 years at NELFT, Roy has touched countless lives as a leader, mentor and role model. Managing three wards and supporting colleagues across multiple roles and career stages, Roy brings unwavering professionalism, compassion and patience. His dedication to both staff development and exceptional patient care makes him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

 

Working in Partnership

Thurrock Community Frailty Team & Pharmacy Team

This innovative partnership has transformed frailty care in Thurrock. By integrating a pharmacist into a nurse-led service, the teams delivered holistic support, improved medication safety, prevented hospital admissions, reduced costs and boosted patient confidence. Their work has gained national recognition and set a new standard for collaborative community care.

 

Compassionate Care

Daniel Martin

Daniel’s commitment to advocating for vulnerable children is extraordinary. Whether coordinating with schools and social services or creating personalised introduction videos to ease anxiety, he consistently puts young people at the centre of his work. Even while managing personal health challenges, Daniel continues to offer empathy, respect and practical support to families and colleagues. His compassion is making a powerful difference.

 

Unsung Hero

Nikita Smith

Working behind the scenes in the Autism and ADHD Assessment Pathway, Nikita has transformed administrative systems, communication processes and referral pathways. Her innovative “Waiting well” updates, detailed guidance for staff and referrers, and exceptional support for families demonstrate leadership far beyond her role. Nikita embodies kindness, collaboration and quiet but mighty impact.

 

Innovation and Improvement

Jayshree Sharma

Jayshree’s pioneering work integrating a pharmacist into the community frailty service has significantly improved medication safety, reduced polypharmacy and saved thousands of pounds. Her structured reviews and interventions have enhanced patient outcomes, reduced environmental impact, and set a new benchmark for innovation in frailty care.

 

Rising Star

Shamini Satkunam

As the first CAP apprentice across six ICUs in north east London, Shamini has carved out a crucial psychological support role in a traditionally medicalised environment. Her work easing trauma, supporting families, developing reflective spaces for staff and introducing patient-centred interventions shows maturity, skill and compassion well beyond her experience. Shamini is truly a rising star of the NHS.

 

Leadership

Harsha Wijeratne

Harsha has transformed assessment and feedback pathways by championing new systems, reducing waiting times and exceeding national targets. Her calm, supportive leadership has strengthened her team, boosted morale and improved patient experience. Harsha’s blend of strategic thinking and kindness makes her an exceptional leader.

 

Patient Safety Award

Georgios Vogkas

Georgios has reshaped the SLT service with impressive speed and dedication. He has reduced waiting times, improved dysphagia management, developed specialist pathways and provided outstanding mentorship to colleagues. His leadership has improved outcomes, strengthened safety and rebuilt service capacity, earning the admiration of his whole team.

 

Winter Lily Ward at Meadow Court

Winter Lily Ward at Goodmayes were nominated for their excellent work across key areas like infection control, record keeping, supervision, and training. The team’s dedication to  maintaining  a clean, welcoming environment helps patients feel safe and cared for.  They’ve  introduced a monthly feedback system that lets patients share their thoughts during their stay, allowing the team to make  timely  improvements and show patients  they’re  truly listened to. The supportive team culture encourages learning and respectful, personalised care.   

 

Patient, Service User and Carer Choice Award

Cara Johnson and Peaches (the therapy dog)

Cara and Peaches have transformed the lives of students in multiple schools, offering comfort, emotional support and a calming presence to young people facing anxiety, trauma or social difficulties. Whether preventing a child from absconding or helping shy students connect through play, their partnership has a profound, joyful impact. They bring hope, reassurance and a sense of belonging wherever they go.

 

Non-clinical Team of the Year

AHP Workforce and Education Team

Through determination, innovation and compassion, this team has reduced vacancies by 36%, improved turnover by 61% and delivered £4m in savings. Their commitment to developing future clinicians, evidenced by 54 apprentices across NELFT, has created a sustainable, supportive and inspiring workforce model that is changing lives and shaping the future of AHP professions.

 

Clinical Team of the Year

Catheter Crisis Team

Since launching in October 2023, the Catheter Crisis Team has become an essential lifeline for patients across BHR. Their fast, compassionate support reduces ED attendances, improves patient confidence and enhances quality of life for people living with catheters. Working closely with urology teams, GPs and emergency services, they have established safe, person-centred, responsive care that patients and families deeply value.

We celebrate their achievements with pride and thank every NELFT colleague for the incredible work they do every day.