Staff at Oxford University Hospitals are being celebrated for outstanding performance and dedication.
The quarterly awards ceremony was held at the Oxford Hospitals Education Centre on the John Radcliffe Hospital site on March 23, with personnel receiving accolades following nominations submitted through the Trust’s Staff Recognition Hub online platform.
Terry Roberts, director of human resources, said colleagues can take just a few moments to recommend their peers via the Staff Recognition Hub on the intranet, noting it could genuinely uplift someone’s spirits.
He explained the organisation provides multiple recognition pathways, including instant acknowledgment, monthly appreciation, and quarterly celebrations, alongside annual awards, urging staff to put forward nominations without delay.
Among those receiving honours was Emma Savage, ward manager of the Complex Medicine Unit, put forward by colleague Nicole in recognition of her compassionate approach.
Savage said each day presents new challenges and no-one can predict what awaits them when arriving at work.
She emphasised that patient and staff safety remains the central focus.
Professor Jack Satsangi, a gastroenterology expert and honorary consultant physician, was nominated by Laura, who works at the Trust while receiving treatment there.
She praised him for making a vital diagnosis during a difficult period, describing him as her guardian angel and expressing heartfelt gratitude.
She added that he provides exceptional care and she would not wish to find any fault with him professionally.
Community midwife Amanda Crudgington was recognised for her response to an incident at the Women’s Centre during a fire while she was away on leave in Cornwall.
Despite being on scheduled time off, she provided remote support, helping rearrange appointments, establishing temporary facilities, and ensuring personal items were replaced.
Jay Gawali, a senior assistant and discharge coordinator, was put forward by a representative from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service for creating a welcoming environment for a child patient.
Gawali said he finds talking with young patients particularly rewarding, describing it as the most satisfying part of his role.
Research photographer Jon Brett received recognition for developing a navigation system at Oxford Eye Hospital, featuring colour-coded routes and seating areas to help visitors locate their destination.
Consultant nurse Rebecca Turner noted the meticulous attention to detail was impressive.
She pointed out that even the teddy bear and rabbit in the children’s area had been positioned at just the right height for young visitors to enjoy.
She said staff can now feel genuine pride in their surroundings.
Long service accolades were also presented, with Sharon Osbourne celebrated for almost four decades of service to the Trust, and Bernadette Mitchell, ward manager for specialist surgery, recognised for beginning her nursing studies in 1979 and completing 42 years with the organisation.