Last night’s Staff Awards 2025,  sponsored by Frimley Health Charity, was a spectacular night for the trust – and a true reflection of the passion and dedication of all our teams. 

The finalists oozed glamour as they relaxed and chatted happily ahead of the award ceremony, at Royal Windsor Racecourse, which recognises the amazing achievements of our staff and their ability to go above and beyond their duty to better the outcomes of our patients. 

Among the winners, Outpatients were victor in the Team Impact category for:

“Exemplifying the Trust values through outstanding patient-centred care, innovation, and collaboration across all sites.” 

Lucy Tebbit, Matron, won Outstanding Leader for her compassion and vision and Acute Medicine Physiotherapy Team at Wexham Park were our Trailblazers for:

“Revolutionising student placements by introducing a peer-assisted learning model.” 

Thirty-two individuals and teams were shortlisted from nearly 800 entries across ten categories, with the winners chosen by our panel of 16 judges. 

There was also a special Chair’s Award presented by Trust Chair Bryan Ingleby to Tara Dutton, senior sister for her transformational leadership on ward F7.

"[She] exemplifies the values of the Trust and deserves special recognition for her lasting impact on staff and patients alike.” 

Chief People Officer, Matt Joint, says;

“It was great to be able to take the time to recognise our staff for the fantastic things that they do – individuals and teams who go the extra mile to benefit others and provide better patient care.  Their will to make things better and the level of compassion for patients was awe inspiring.”

The awards: 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award 

Awarded to an individual, team or staff network who actively promote equality and inclusion. They challenge discrimination, value everyone’s contribution, and create a workplace where everyone feels respected and supported. This could include working with patients and service users or supporting colleagues through staff networks. 

Winner: Samuel Adedigba Clinical Specialist - Hand Therapist 

Samuel has shown exceptional leadership in fostering inclusion and support at Frimley Health. As the first international recruit in therapies, he built a strong peer network, mentored new arrivals, and championed open conversations around race and diversity. His proactive efforts, from guiding colleagues through challenges to connecting them with resources like the RED Network, have created a more welcoming, respectful workplace. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Malathi Rajasekar, Clinical Educator 

  • Paul Foreman, Building Technician 

Efficiency Champion Award 

For a team or individual who has made things work better, saving time, money or effort. Through smarter ways of working, digital tools or role redesign, they’ve boosted productivity and delivered real value to the Trust. 

Winner: Karen West, Orthopaedic Kit Co-ordinator 

Karen led a proactive improvement project to manage expiring orthopaedic implants, saving time, money, and preventing surgical delays. She created a digital tracking system, coordinated with multiple suppliers, and streamlined the replacement process, ensuring critical implants are always available. Her initiative has reduced stress for theatre teams, improved patient safety, and benefited other Trust sites. 

Shortlisted candidates:  

  • Stephanie Deed, Occupational Therapist 

  • Radiology Bookings Team and Ultrasound Team, Frimley Park 

Outstanding Leader Award 

A clinical or non-clinical individual with outstanding compassionate and inclusive leadership skills, inspiring people to go the extra mile. Good leaders are not necessarily managers, but they will always demonstrate our trust values. They are innovative and value their peers while actively mentoring and encouraging people they work with. They are tireless in their efforts to make improvements for the benefit of all. 

Winner: Lucy Tebbit, Matron 

Lucy is a compassionate and visionary leader who has transformed the department through advocacy, innovation, and support. She helped to introduce the TRiM programme in the ED to support staff after traumatic events, secured 24/7 security to improve safety, and reduced agency costs by 57% while maintaining safe staffing. Her weekly newsletters, wellbeing initiatives, and open-door leadership style have boosted morale, improved communication, and fostered a culture of respect and excellence. Lucy is the glue that holds the team together and a true role model in healthcare leadership. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Tara Dutton, Senior Sister 

  • Louise McArthur, Matron 

Patient Voice Award 

This award gives patients, carers, relatives and visitors the chance to recognise a member of staff or team who has made a real difference. It celebrates those who go above and beyond to provide outstanding care, compassion and support. 

Winner: Silvia Marko, Sister 

Silvia is a consistently positive, welcoming, and supportive presence. She creates an inclusive and respectful environment where colleagues feel safe, valued, and encouraged. Her kind and fair approach to guidance fosters trust and confidence, making her a deeply respected role model. Silvia’s warmth and professionalism make a meaningful difference every day. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Sophie Hand, Nurse 

  • Medical Same Day Emergency Care Team 

Rising star award

For someone new to the organisation or their role (less than a year) who’s already making waves. Whether through brilliant patient care, supporting colleagues, or fresh ideas, they’ve made a strong and lasting impression. 

Winner: Aqsa Shahzad, Health Care Assistant / Administration Assistant 

Aqsa excels in her dual roles of Administration and Healthcare Assistant, bringing energy, innovation, and compassion to everything she does. She’s transformed workflows with digital solutions, supports patients and staff with professionalism and warmth, and consistently delivers to the highest standards. Currently undertaking her Level 3 Business Administrator programme, Aqsa’s dedication, adaptability, and potential make her a standout future leader and a valued member of the Outpatients team. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Elizabeth Varghese, Resident Doctor 

  • Preet Singh, Senior Physiotherapist 

Team Impact Award

A clinical or non-clinical team that works brilliantly together to deliver high-quality, efficient services. They embrace change, share learning, and find new ways of working that make a real difference to patients and colleagues. 

Winner: Outpatients 

The Team exemplifies the Trust values through outstanding patient-centred care, innovation, and collaboration across all sites. As the first to achieve Gold Standard in Clinical Accreditation, they’ve led the way in safety and quality. Their adoption of SharePoint has streamlined communication and improved efficiency, while their open culture fosters shared learning and continuous improvement. The team’s dedication, adaptability, and compassion make them a true asset to the Trust. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Wexham Medical Education Team 

  • Acute Oncology 

  • Dementia Team 

Trailblazer award

For someone who leads the way with bold ideas and fresh thinking. Through education, research or innovation, they’ve introduced something new that improves care or transforms how we work, and they inspire others to do the same. 

​​Winner: Acute Medicine Physiotherapy Team, Wexham Park Hospital 

The Team revolutionised student placements by introducing a peer-assisted learning model, expanding capacity from 6 to over 20 annually, while maintaining high-quality care. Their innovative approach improved student confidence, educator capability, and patient outcomes, with 95% of patients seen compared to 60% previously. This first-of-its-kind UK model sets a new benchmark in clinical education and workforce sustainability, embodying true trailblazing excellence. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Robert McFaul, Lead Radiographer 

  • Gayle Celera Heinst, Advanced Clinical Practitioner 

Improvement of the Year Award

Celebrating a team or individual who has used the Frimley Excellence (FX) approach to drive meaningful change. Whether improving patient safety, care quality or staff experience, their work shows clear, positive impact. 

​​Winner: Heatherwood In-Patient Therapies Care Group 

The Team has embedded the Frimley Excellence approach into daily practice, using data-led huddles and Lean tools to drive measurable improvements. Their innovative work to reduce length of stay for non-weight-bearing patients has shown early success, while redesigned patient information and improved equipment pathways have enhanced care and saved costs. Their Bronze FXIS Award reflects their commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and delivering real value for patients and the Trust. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Pratichya Shahi Rana, Matron 

  • Aishworya Chalise, Senior Specialist Diabetes Nurse 

Volunteer of the Year Award: 

Celebrating an individual or team of volunteers who give their time, energy and heart to support patients, families and staff. Their dedication helps make our services more welcoming, compassionate and effective. 

Winner: Rodney Cook 

Rodney has been a dedicated volunteer since 2018, consistently going above and beyond to support patients and staff. During a recent palliative care survey, he returned to hospital with multiple pairs of glasses to help a patient read in her final days, an act of kindness that deeply improved her experience. Rodney’s compassion, initiative, and selflessness 

exemplify the Trust’s values and make him a truly deserving nominee. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Billy Hunt 

  • Maya Jose 

Unsung Contribution Award: 

This award honours a clinical or non-clinical colleague whose work often goes unnoticed but makes a big impact. They’re always ready to help, go the extra mile without being asked, and live the trust’s values every day, without expecting recognition.   

Winner: Brett Lee, Security Supervisor  

Brett consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the safety, efficiency, and wellbeing of patients, staff, and volunteers at Frimley Park. His quick response and proactive support, such as resolving a critical buggy breakdown, saved time, money, and maintained vital patient transport services. He’s led key security upgrades, introduced innovative systems, and fosters strong partnerships across the Trust and beyond. Brett’s professionalism, leadership, and “can do” attitude make him a truly deserving nominee. 

Shortlisted candidates: 

  • Gaby Willis, Clinical Specialist - Occupational Therapy 

  • Jennifer Brightman - Occupational Therapist - Clinical Specialist 

Chair Award

Chosen from one of the finalists across all the other categories by our Chair, Bryan Ingelby. This award recognises an individual or team who demonstrates genuine care, compassion, and a commitment to meeting the needs of others. They show respect, value individuals, and always strive to deliver the highest quality of care, while upholding principles of equality and inclusion. Their selfless approach ensures the best possible support and outcomes for our patients, staff, and colleagues. 

Winner: Tara Dutton, Senior Sister 

Tara’s leadership on F7 ward has been truly transformational. Stepping in during a difficult time, she rebuilt confidence, improved safety, and created a thriving team culture. Her compassionate response to a never event, tireless work to improve patient flow, and commitment to education through initiatives like the Vascular Study Day reflect her extraordinary dedication. Tara exemplifies the values of the Trust and deserves special recognition for her lasting impact on staff and patients alike.