Our 2025 UHN Excellence Awards were sponsored by SmartCo Future Health

The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) Excellence Awards recognise individuals and teams who positively impact patient care and hospital operations, whether they work, volunteer, or fundraise. They shine a light on someone special.  Whether it’s a University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) colleague, team, volunteer or fundraiser. And celebrating those who has gone the extra mile and made a real difference for patients or colleagues.

We recently rolled out the red carpet for an evening of pride and inspiration at its 2025 annual Excellence Awards at the Mercure Hotel in Northampton. Sponsored by Smart Co Future Health, this glittering event celebrated the remarkable staff, volunteers, and fundraisers from Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Over 450 nominations were received, sharing experiences of extraordinary care, innovation, and generosity, but it was the winners who were recognised for making a lasting difference in the lives of patients, their loved ones and colleagues.

Thank you to our headline sponsor SmartCo Future Health, the Northamptonshire Health Charity for their continued support for the event, to Multiverse for sponsoring our Research, Innovation and Improvement award and to Mercure Northampton for sponsoring our UHN Shining Star (Non-Clinical Individual) category.

Thank you also to Nervecentre, Video Inn, RB Travel, PicMe Photobooth and RLS Print and Design for sponsoring our awards.

Our winners:

Ken Westall - Northamptonshire Health Charity Fundraiser of the Year 2025.jpgKen Westall winner of the Northamptonshire Health Charity Fundraiser of the Year Award 2025

His nomination reads: An outstanding volunteer, dedicating his time, energy, and passion to supporting UHN and the charity. He actively promotes the charity at events and on various platforms, sharing its mission and inspiring others to get involved. Ken embodies compassion and inclusivity in his volunteer work. His ability to connect with diverse groups and promote the charity’s mission in an engaging and accessible way reflects his dedication to equality.

 

Emma Murray - UHN Compassionate Colleague Award 2025.jpgEmma Murray winner of the UHN Compassionate Colleague Award

 

Her nomination reads: Emma is the absolute best team player. She speaks on behalf of the patients to make sure they get the best possible care and will escalate accordingly. She’s also gone out the way to buy patients items such an inflatable hair wash bowls, she takes the time to untangle and condition hair, braid it as well as cutting nails and giving mini spas. She never asks for anything back, just that the patients are well presented and sat out ready for when they have visitors.

KGH ICU Research Team winners UHN Research Innovation and Improvement Award 2025.jpg

ICU Research Team winner of the UHN Research, Innovation, and Improvement Award 2025 sponsored by Multiverse

Their nomination reads: The ICU Research team are committed to advancing critical care through active participation and leadership in numerous high-impact clinical trials. Beyond trial participation, the ICU Research Team fosters a culture of research among staff and patients, ensuring ethical recruitment, patient-centred care, and meticulous data collection. Their work strengthens the bridge between clinical care and research, benefiting current and future ICU patients.

 

Raji Rajan Joseph winner UHN Patient Choice Award 2025.jpgRaji Rajan Joseph winner of the UHN Patient Choice Award 2025 KGH

Her nomination reads: I was in Paediatric ED with my younger son, needing an admission. We were waiting for a bed and Raji called the bed manager, she acted swiftly and made all the arrangements. She came to me and sat down and said: ‘We are here for you’. She took me to the vending machine for my elder son’s crisps, but it was broken. She and her colleague later came to Skylark ward with crisps and Maltesers which my son likes. She is such a kind person who has a kind heart and needs the best recognition in the world.

 

Bereavement Midwives and Support Workers - UHN Patient Choice Award (NGH).jpgBereavement Midwives and Support Workers winner of the UHN Patient Choice Award 2025 NGH

Their nomination reads: I am nominating this team due to their exceptional care during our stay in hospital, after our daughter was stillborn. We were never pressured to make any immediate decisions, we were given options of care, expert knowledge, and respected to make our own decisions about the care we received as a family. We knew we would be supported fully by this team. During such shock and heartbreak it is impossible to know what you need, but this team helped us to make treasured memories with our daughter before leaving the hospital without her. The team bought us comfort when we needed it most, and we felt confident in their advice and guidance on how to navigate the world of baby loss. They are currently supporting us through our rainbow pregnancy which we could not do without their empathy and expertise.

 

Farhana Ahmedabadi-Patel - UHN Shining Star Non-Clinical Individual Award 2025.jpgFarhana Ahmedabadi-Patel winner of the UHN Shining Star (Non-Clinical Individual) Award 2025 sponsored by Mercure Northampton

Her nomination reads: Her leadership has transformed equity, diversity, and inclusion at UHN into measurable change. She led the Rethinking Racism Education Programme, embedding inclusion into recruitment, staff networks, professional development, and leadership. Farhana champions REACH colleagues through career coaching, mentoring, and advocacy, supporting progression and empowerment. Her work has improved belonging and respect scores, increased diversity in recruitment, and boosted engagement in EDI initiatives.

 

Katy McCrossan winner UHN Shining Star Clinical Individual Award 2025.jpgKaty McCrossan winner of the UHN Shining Star (Clinical Individual) Award

Her nomination reads: Katy has transformed and enabled development in our small specialist cancer nursing team with her warmth, dedication, integrity and skills. Frequently the first contact for patients, she is often their anchor in moments of fear and uncertainty. Feedback from patients and colleagues is consistently glowing, describing how her calm presence and compassion make them feel safe and respected. She listens without limit, offering reassurance when patients feel isolated, and gives tireless support to all colleagues.

 

Electronic Patient Record (EPR) team - UHN Non-Clinical Stars Team Award 2025.jpgElectronic Patient Record Team winner of the UHN Non-Clinical Stars Team Award 2025 sponsored by SmartCo Future Health

Their nomination reads: Over three years, they worked tirelessly from conception of a new EPR to engaging 150+ clinical, operational, and digital colleagues in procurement, through to mobilising 200 staff for the successful go-live of Nervecentre. They showed outstanding collaboration across clinical and non-clinical areas, training staff, resolving issues, and supporting colleagues through change. Their dedication ensured continuity of care and a positive experience for patients and staff alike.

 

The Pneumonia team -winners UHN Clinical Stars Team Award 2025.jpgPneumonia Specialist Team winner of the UHN Clinical Stars Team Award 2025

Their nomination reads: Their work has led to a two-day reduction in average length of stay, an 18% reduction in readmission rates, and a 20% reduction in mortality compared to the national average. These outcomes are complemented by consistently high patient satisfaction scores, reflecting the team’s dedication to both quality and kindness. They established a pneumonia virtual ward improving continuity of care and supporting earlier, safer discharges.

 

Joyce Crowther - UHN Star Volunteer of the Year Award 2025.jpgJoyce Crowther winner of the UHN Star Volunteer of the Year Award

Her nomination reads: Joyce is truly one of those exceptional individuals who consistently goes above and beyond to support both patients and staff. She currently volunteers as a Brew Buddy, supports in the Discharge Lounge, ensuring patients feel cared for and reassured during their transition home and in the Emergency Department, where she keeps a watchful eye to make sure patients stay hydrated and comfortable during what can often be a stressful time. Joyce also plays a key role in welcoming and supporting new volunteers.                                               

 

2025 UHN Excellence Awards sponsored by SmartCo Future Health Categories

UHN Patient Choice Award 2025

Have you, a loved one or family member received excellent care from a colleague or team at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN), based at either Kettering (KGH), Northampton (NGH) hospitals or one of their off-site locations? 

This is your chance to tell us about the people who have made a difference through the care or kindness they have given.  Judges will be looking for individuals or teams for whom nothing is too much trouble, who provide consistently great care or service, treat others with kindness and respect, and are a shining light and an example to others. 

We are looking for examples of: 

  • High-quality care received from our compassionate, excellent, and dedicated team members who went above and beyond to care for you. 

  • If someone made you feel listened to, well cared for and who showed kindness and respect. 

  • Those unsung heroes who quietly do exceptional work and have done something special or incredible to make the experience of being a patient or a visitor to one of our hospitals a bit easier. 

  • How the individual or team demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the wider community. 

UHN Shining Star (Non-Clinical individual) Award 2025 sponsored by Mercure Northampton

Many colleagues make a huge contribution every day but they may not always be seen.  These colleagues are critical to delivering healthcare services and ensuring patients can access the services they need.   Whether they are looking after our buildings and facilities, staffing our reception areas, keeping our supplies well stocked, making sure our processes and clinics run smoothly, transporting patients, providing fresh food or keeping our hospital clean, everyone plays a role.  

Judges will be looking for examples of:  

  • An individual who has done something extraordinary to make a difference to University Hospital of Northamptonshire.  

  • An individual who has been a true inspiration to others and who you see as a hospital hero.  

  • How the individual or team demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the wider community.  

UHN Shining Star (Clinical individual) Award 2025

Individuals across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire make a huge contribution to the service we provide every day. This award celebrates an individual who has led the way – this could be setting an example of how to work collaboratively, consistently achieving excellent operational performance or overcoming a number of challenges to still provide an excellent experience for patient. The judges would like to recognise individuals in a clinical role who have improved a patient’s experience .  

Judges will be looking for examples of:   

  • How the individual developed themselves as a role model to provide the best care for patients or supporting colleagues.  

  • How an individual who goes above and beyond to consistently play their part to improve the hospital.  

  • How they respect other people’s views, experiences, and skills with a commitment to their professional or personal development.  

  • How the individual or team demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the wider community.  

UHN Clinical Stars Team Award 2025

Many teams make a huge contribution every day. This award celebrates a team who have led the way across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) – this could be setting an example of how to work collaboratively as a cohesive team, consistently achieving excellent operational performance or overcoming a number of challenges to still provide an excellent experience for patient s .  

Judges will be looking for examples of:  

  • Teams working well together to develop themselves as role models and to provide the best care for patients or supporting colleagues.  

  • The difference and impact a team has made to you .  

  • How they respect other people’s views, experiences, and skills with a commitment to the team’s health and wellbeing and professional or personal development.  

  • How the team demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the community.  

UHN Non-Clinical Stars Team Award 2025 sponsored by Smart Co Future Health

Many teams make a huge contribution every day, but they may not always be seen.   Whether they are looking after our buildings and facilities, staffing our reception areas, keeping our supplies well stocked, making sure our processes and clinics run smoothly, transporting patients, providing fresh food or keeping our hospital clean, everyone plays a role. This award celebrates a team who has led the way across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) – this could be setting an example of how to work collaboratively as a cohesive team, consistently achieving excellent operational performance, or overcoming a number of challenges to still provide an excellent experience for patient.  

 SmartCo Consulting Future Health logo - Headline sponsor's for the 2025 UHN Excellence Awards Judges will be looking for examples of:  

  • Teams working well together to develop themselves as role models and to provide the best care for patients or supporting colleagues.  

  • The difference and impact a team has made to you .  

  • How they respect other people’s views, experiences, and skills with a commitment to the team’s health and wellbeing and professional or personal development.  

  • How the team demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the community.  

UHN Research, Innovation, and Improvement Award 2025 sponsored by Multiverse

This award is sponsored by Multiverse.  Recognising a team or individual who has implemented new research, an innovative idea or an improvement project which has resulted in improved practice, better outcomes, or a more efficient way of working for service users, colleagues, or stakeholders. They may have been involved with clinical or research trials, introduced a new approach to their area or taken part in an innovative improvement project to make our hospitals a better place for patients, visitors, and colleagues.  

Judges will be looking for examples of:    

  • How they've helped to implement improvement s , championed and supported patients or colleagues through research studies or found a solution to a problem to make things better.  

  • What difference has be e n made from implementing these projects or ideas to a diverse range of patients , colleagues, or stakeholders.  

  • How the individual or team demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the community.  

UHN Compassionate Colleague Award 2025

Recognise someone who demonstrates empathy, understanding, and support towards their colleagues.  This involves actively listening, offering help, and fostering a culture where colleagues feel valued and supported. This can be peer to peer or through compassionate leadership. 

Judges will be looking for examples of:  

  • How the individual has shown empathy and understanding; checking in on colleagues and actively listened to concerns. 

  • How the individual has provided practical solutions, support with tasks or workload. 

  • How the individual has created opportunities for individuals or team members to connect and support each other. 

  • How the individual demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the community. 

UHN Star Volunteer of the Year Award 2025

We want to celebrate the contribution made by the hundreds of people who give their time for free. From those who volunteer across our hospitals, including radio stations, ward volunteers, meeting and greeting patients or visitors, buggy drivers, and staff wellbeing across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire. 

Judges will be looking for examples of: 

  • A volunteer who goes above and beyond to brighten the lives of patients and visitors, carers and also our colleagues. 

  • A volunteer who has had a positive impact on delivering services and those little extra touches that couldn’t be provided without their support - for example our buggy or brew buddy initiative. 

  • How the individual demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the community. 

Northamptonshire Health Charity Fundraiser of the Year Award 2025

Celebrating those individuals and teams who have made a difference to the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire by supporting fund raising in aid of Northamptonshire Health Charity. These are people who have helped by raising the profile of a specific event, fundraising campaign, or increasing an awareness of the Northamptonshire Health Charity 

Judges will be looking for examples of: 

  • People who champion and recognise the value of Northamptonshire Health Charity. 

  • Those who have supported, fundraised, or done something incredible for the charity to make University Hospitals of Northamptonshire a better place for patients or our colleagues. 

  • How the individual demonstrates and promotes a culture of compassion, equality, diversity and inclusion for patients, colleagues or the community.