Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held its first Healthcare Hero Awards, celebrating individuals and teams who deliver exceptional care and support.
The ceremony, held at the Leonardo Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton, coincided with the 77th anniversary of the NHS and drew more than 500 nominations from staff, patients, families and the public.
Trust chairman Neil Hayward said: “At the heart of every great organisation are the people who bring it to life.
“This evening is about you – the people who help us deliver outstanding care, support colleagues to thrive and help build stronger communities.”
Chief executive Ron Shields said: “Every nomination is a reflection of the compassion, enthusiasm and commitment our staff provide to the people they support every day.
“I really am honoured to lead an organisation with such caring, talented and innovative people who are committed to delivering the very best possible care for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“It goes without saying that I am immensely proud of each and every one of them.”
The 2025 Healthcare Hero Award Winners: • Annual CARE Award – Shane Innes, team lead and senior occupational therapist (Isle of Wight) • Respect and Compassion Award – Jodi Bennett, clinical team leader • Accountability and Excellence Award – Andreea Golovatii, senior mental health practitioner • Leading with Care Award – Louise Smith, Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist • Patient Safety Award – Hazel Ward, Parklands • Improving Wellbeing and Culture Award – Lauren Anderson, lived experience and network partner • Lifetime Achievement Award – Trish Phillips, area matron for specialist teams • Rising Star Award – Shanaya Jones, apprentice dental nurse • Corporate/Support Colleague of the Year – Sarah-Jayne Cuthbertson, admin team coordinator • Patient Choice Award – Sam Geldard, senior occupational therapist/mental health care coordinator • Unsung Hero Award – Vanessa Appleton, Hampshire CAMHS programme manager • Team of the Year Award – Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Team, Mid and North Hampshire
