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The event, filled with moving stories and heartfelt appreciation, highlighted individuals and teams who exemplify the trust’s values.
From life-saving bravery on a London street to quiet moments of compassion on a ward, this year’s awards shone a spotlight on the exceptional individuals and teams who go above and beyond every day. The awards covered a range of categories with each winner nominated by peers or patients for the difference they make.
The ceremony was held in Peter Samuel Hall at the Royal Free Hospital.
Group chief nurse Julie Hamilton gave an introduction and welcome, commenting: "To honour our really incredible nurses, midwives and healthcare assistant nominees, I do want to express my huge gratitude for everything that you do every single day."
The award presentations opened with RFL group chief executive Peter Landstrom, commenting: "This is my opportunity to really say a massive thank you and really celebrate everything that you do."
The ceremony recognised exceptional contributions across nine award categories: patient’s choice, leadership, special recognition, unsung contribution, quality innovation and improvement, nurse of the year, midwife of the year, HCSW of the year, and team working. This year also saw the introduction of a brand new and very special honour, the chief nursing officer lifetime achievement award. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees:
Patient’s choice award
These awards placed the spotlight directly on the voices of our patients, honouring staff who made a lasting difference through compassion, advocacy, and care.
Ash Jahangeer (HCSW), Barnet Hospital
Ash's colleague accepted the award on his behalf.
Ash is recognised for stepping up to ensure a patient's dietary needs were met with care and empathy, even though he wasn’t directly assigned to them. The patient described him as “just so lovely”.
Bernadette Huxtable (nursing and midwifery), Royal Free Hospital
Bernadette's colleague accepted the award on her behalf.
Bernadette is honoured for her life-saving actions during a cardiac arrest incident near Victoria station, where she provided immediate CPR and support, showcasing courage and professionalism.
Leadership award
Celebrating individuals who lead with vision, empathy, and a commitment to excellence, inspiring those around them to achieve their best.
Lester Shean Villania (nursing and midwifery joint winner), Chase Farm Hospital
Lester is praised for his calm strength, exceptional organisation, and supportive leadership style that fosters a welcoming and high-performing environment.
Sekayi Tangayi (nursing and midwifery joint winner), North Middlesex University Hospital
Sekayi is recognised for her visionary leadership in sickle cell and thalassemia care, driving innovative changes that have improved patient outcomes and set national standards.
Special recognition award
Acknowledging staff who consistently go above and beyond, embodying the trust’s values in every interaction.
Tajuana Matheson (HCSW), Barnet Hospital
Tajuana's colleague accepted the award on her behalf.
Tajuana is celebrated for her gentle strength and unwavering kindness that leave a lasting impression on patients and colleagues alike.
Regina Boateng (nursing and midwifery joint winner) Royal Free Hospital
Known as the 'Discharge Queen,' Regina ensures patients leave our care feeling safe and supported, while also mentoring junior staff with warmth and clarity.
Bernie Byrne (nursing and midwifery joint winner), North Middlesex University Hospital
Honoured for her transformative impact on cancer care, offering holistic and compassionate support that has touched thousands over her career.
Unsung contribution award
Shining a light on those who make a profound difference through quiet, consistent acts of care, kindness, and community.
Lordia Gyamfi (HCSW), Chase Farm Hospital
The heart of her team, Lordia uplifts morale and ensures everyone feels special and valued through thoughtful gestures and unwavering support.
Clare Oliver (nursing and midwifery), North Middlesex University Hospital
Clare brings joy and meaning to her ward, celebrating every child and staff member with personalised touches that create a nurturing environment.
Quality innovation and improvement award
Recognising teams whose innovative thinking and practical solutions have transformed the quality of care.
Juniper Ward Team, Barnet Hospital
Their 'Shift Left' initiative focused on preventing deconditioning in hospitalised patients, leading to improved outcomes and a model now being rolled out to other wards.
Nurse of the year award
Celebrating a nurse who consistently delivers exceptional care, redefining expectations through leadership, compassion, and clinical excellence.
Michelle Bozier, Chase Farm Hospital
Michelle leads across surgery, endoscopy, and pre-operative assessment with professionalism and warmth, fostering a culture of collaboration and learning.
Midwife of the year award
Honouring a midwife whose care and commitment transform the most challenging moments into ones of dignity and support.
Ellie Coutler, North Middlesex University Hospital
Ellie provides unwavering support to families experiencing loss, leading bereavement services with empathy and resilience, even during personal grief.
HCSW of the year award
Recognising healthcare support workers who exemplify compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to patient-centred care.
Valentin Jr Sario, joint winner, Barnet Hospital
A champion for older adults, Valentin proactively ensures each patient's needs are understood and met, promoting independence and dignity.
Vandna Divecha, joint winner, Barnet Hospital
Vadna's colleague accepted the award on their behalf.
Vadna brings calm and kindness to high-pressure environments, always stepping up to support patients and colleagues with compassion and clinical awareness.
Team working awards
Celebrating teams who demonstrate what’s possible when people come together with purpose, respect, and dedication to outstanding care.
Quince team, joint winner, Barnet Hospital
Known for their compassionate and united approach, they create a ward culture that patients request by name and support each other through every challenge.
Delivery suite coordinators team, joint winner, Barnet Hospital
The delivery suite coordinators team exemplify strength and coordination under pressure, ensuring safe and compassionate care for mothers and babies in the most critical moments.
Chief nursing officer lifetime achievement award
Awarded to Deborah Sanders, chief executive of Barnet Hospital.
Julie Hamilton gave an emotional presentation, commenting: “This award recognises a truly exceptional leader, one defined not only by decades of service, transformational leadership, unwavering compassion and who will leave a lasting legacy and impact here at the Royal Free London.”
The awards were proudly sponsored by the Royal Free Charity and colleagues enjoyed afternoon tea together following the ceremony.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. Congratulations again to all of this year’s winners and finalists.
