Dudley NHS staff recognised for outstanding care, innovation and teamwork
Recognising the people behind outstanding care, innovation and teamwork across The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
More than 300 staff and volunteers came together to celebrate the people behind outstanding care, innovation and teamwork at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust’s Committed to Excellence Awards 2026.
The annual awards, held at the Copthorne Hotel on Friday, July 17, and hosted by ITV weather presenter Des Coleman, recognised individuals and teams who have made an exceptional difference to patients, families and colleagues across Dudley.
More than 700 nominations were submitted by patients and colleagues this year across 18 categories, highlighting those who have gone above and beyond in their roles – from delivering excellent patient care and improving services to showing outstanding leadership and teamwork.
Chief Executive Diane Wake said: “The Committed to Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognise the people who make our Trust what it is. Every nomination reflects an act of kindness, dedication or teamwork that has made a real difference and has helped shape better care.
“A huge congratulations to all our finalists and winners. I am incredibly proud of everyone who was nominated. Thank you for everything you do as we continue to build a Trust that is Fit for the Future for our patients, our people, and our population.”
Among those recognised was Lucy Smith, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award for her work within Cancer Services.
Lucy was praised for consistently putting patients first and for developing a Straight to Surgery pilot to improve the pathway for skin cancer patients, helping to reduce waiting times for diagnosis and surgical treatment.
The Healthcare Heroes Team Award went to Sian Annakin and Georgina Brabham, who stopped at the scene of a serious motorway collision and provided urgent emergency care, including performing CPR, in challenging circumstances.
Their calm response and willingness to help were recognised as an example of the very best of healthcare and what it means to be a true healthcare hero.
Eighteen-year-old Luke Pearson was named Volunteer of the Year after completing more than 1,000 volunteering hours since October 2024. Luke was recognised for his exceptional commitment to helping others, including using CPR and a defibrillator to assist someone in need.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Edele Tracey, Registered Midwife, and Rachel Harewood, Rainbow and Bereavement Midwife, received the Patient Choice Award.
They were nominated for the compassion and support they provided to a family following the stillbirth of their baby, helping them create precious memories and offering comfort during an unimaginably difficult time. A message of thanks from the family who nominated them was shared as they received their award.
Full list of winners:
- Non-Clinical Team of the Year – Medical Education Team
- Healthcare Hero Individual – Rebecca George, Clinical Lead and Physiotherapist
- Best Use of Charitable Funds – Neonatal Unit
- Rising Star of the Year – Rebecca Picton, Advanced Specialist Pharmacist Emergency Medicine
- Volunteer of the Year – Luke Pearson
- Outstanding Leader of the Year – Ravi Kaur Sahota, Group Chief Information Officer
- Excellence in Patient Care – High Oak and Chapel Street Teams
- Greener Futures Award – Heather Jones, Advanced Critical Care Practitioner
- Healthcare Heroes Team – Sian Annakin, Deteriorating Patient Lead, and Georgina Brabham, Development Nurse
- Patient Choice Award – Edele Tracey, Midwife, and Rachel Harewood, Midwife
- Excellence in Research – Dudley Place Team
- Clinical Unsung Hero – Dr Jacob Luke, Consultant Paediatrician
- Non-Clinical Unsung Hero – Jas Kaur, Group IT Training Manager
- Clinical Team of the Year – District Nursing Team
- EDI Champion of the Year – Joey Livesey, Clinical Support Worker and LGBTQ+ Staff Network Chair
- Improving Together – Kim Bradley, Deputy Matron
- Outstanding Achievement – Lucy Smith, Macmillan Trust Lead Cancer Nurse
- CEO/Chair Award – Emergency Department
The evening was made possible with the support of sponsors University of Worcester, Summit, How to Find a Care Home, Hill Dickinson, Mite, Altera and O2 Business.
Their generosity helped create a memorable celebration recognising the dedication and achievements of staff and volunteers across the Trust.