2 December 2024

On Friday 22 November, Isle of Wight NHS Trust hosted a heartwarming and inspirational evening to honour the dedicated staff and volunteers who embody the organisation’s values. The annual IOW NHS Trust CARE (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Everyone Counts) Awards celebrated outstanding individuals and teams for their contributions over the past year.

The event, which took place at Ryde Castle Hotel, brought together over 120 attendees, including staff, volunteers, and supporters, to recognise the incredible work being done for our island community. A total of 205 nominations were submitted by both staff and members of the public, spanning 12 award categories. In addition, special recognitions were given through the Chief Executive’s Award and the Chair's Award, both chosen personally by the Chairman, Melloney Poole, and Chief Executive, Penny Emerit.

Penny Emerit, Chief Executive said: “We are so proud to celebrate the achievements of our staff and volunteers. It was a wonderful evening, and it was truly heartwarming to hear about the incredible work being done, the acts of kindness, and how many individuals have gone above and beyond their roles to provide the best possible care for our patients and their families.”

Award Highlights:

Putting the Patient First Award
Paula Brooke, Wellchild Nurse
Paula Brooke, who has been a vital part of the care team for children on the island with complex care needs, was recognised for her outstanding contributions to keeping clinically vulnerable children at home and out of hospital by providing nursing care. Known for her calm, compassionate care, Paula's dedication has made a significant impact on both the children she supports and their families.

Chair’s Award
NHS Youth Forum
The NHS Youth Forum, established in 2021, was presented with the Chair’s Award for their significant efforts in improving the health experience of young people on the island. Their contributions include developing a sensory garden for the Children’s ward, improving the diversity and inclusivity of services, especially LGBTQ, and supporting young people wanting to safely manage their weight.

Volunteer of the Year Award
Paul Edwards, Ambulance Service Volunteer
Paul Edwards was honoured for his remarkable dedication. Initially joining in 2022 as a driver taking many people to and from mainland hospital appointments, he has since passed his Level 3 award for First Responders on Scene Ambulance Service Community Responder qualification and since January, has logged on as available as a first responder for over 1,200 hours as well as 185 hours for the Volunteer Ambulance Car Service. Paul’s care, kindness, and commitment to supporting patients and his colleagues make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

In addition to the awards ceremony, special thanks were extended to the event sponsors: Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charity, Electrical Solution, Mountjoy, Clarkes Mechanical, and Tyler Roberts for making the evening possible.

Penny Emerit concluded, “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all everyone nominated and to all our teams. Your hard work and dedication demonstrate the true meaning of our CARE values. You are all making a tremendous difference in the lives of our island community.”

The Winners of the IOW NHS CARE Awards 2024:

  • Clinical Team of the Year: Critical Care Team
  • Compassion in Action award: Deenah Morris, Healthcare Assistant
  • Corporate Services award: Clinical Education Team
  • Healthcare Support Services: Beverley Sparks and Charlotte Woodford, Dementia Associate Practitioners
  • Leader of the Year: Vikki Crickmore, Consultant Nurse
  • Lifetime Achievement award: Helen Azzopardi, now retired but was Head of Microbiology.
  • Most Inspiring Colleague: David Turner, Lead Practice Nurse for Urgent and Emergency Care
  • Putting the Patient First: Paula Brooke - Wellchild Nurse
  • Quality Improvement and Innovation award: Paediatric Epilepsy Service
  • Rising Star Award: Sarah Morrison, Assistant Operational Manager for Planned Care Group, Head and Neck Services
  • Volunteer of the Year: Paul Edwards, Ambulance service Volunteer & Community First Responder
  • People’s Choice Award: Becky Craig and the Intensive Care Unit Team
  • Chair’s award – NHS Youth Forum
  • Chief Executive’s award – Day Surgery Unit