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Staff from Stamford and Rutland Hospital were among those honoured for their dedication and going the extra mile through a series of coveted awards.

Winners from across North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust were celebrated at the Outstanding Achievement Awards 2023, where colleagues heard inspiring and emotive stories of incredible patient care and going over and above the call of duty.

Around 150 members of staff and volunteers were invited to the glittering evening at the Holiday Inn, Peterborough, hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Chris Mann.

Winners included Stamford and Rutland Hospital Dermatology Consultant, Dr Kerry Shalders.

Dr Shalders scooped a prestigious Health Hero award, the only publicly-nominated award – after being put forward by one of her patients.

The patient, who was suffering from a debilitating skin condition causing daily pain and discomfort, described Dr Shalders as ‘amazing’ and ‘finally treating them as a normal human being rather than someone with disabilities.’

Taking time and effort to explain treatment options, Dr Shalders truly listened when the patient was desperately trying to explain the depths of their despair at their condition.

Previously, the patient had been offered antidepressants which they said left them feeling unheard and unsure of where to turn. Instead they commented how Dr Shalders made them feel valued and didn’t dismiss their feelings. The nomination read: “Without her reassurance and kindness, I would still be in severe pain. I am now with confidence, and a sense of freedom that I haven’t felt in a very long time. The world needs more doctors like her.”

The Stamford-based Diagnostic Imaging Booking Office Team were also nominated by Trust colleagues in the Excellence in Admin, Clerical and Support of the Year category for their amazing and outstanding teamwork, particularly the way in which they navigated their way through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The team is responsible for not only booking an estimated 320 scans every week, but rising to the challenge of guiding many vulnerable, elderly and non-English-speaking patients through the process.

Nominees and winners on the night all received personal thanks from Trust board executives, including Chief Executive Officer Hannah Coffey and Trust Chair Professor Steve Barnett.  

In addition, the Trust’s charity patron – Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood – sent a pre-recorded video message of congratulations.

Trust Chief Executive Officer Hannah Coffey said: “Celebrating staff and all the amazing things they do in their roles is one of the best parts of any Chief Executive’s job.

“Even though I have only been in this wonderful Trust for a few weeks, I feel incredibly proud to work with every single member of staff and these awards have been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many individual and team achievements.

“Congratulations to each and every worthy nominee and winner.”

1. Congratulations to Stamford and Rutland Hospital Health Hero, Dermatology Consultant, Dr Kerry Shalders who was presented with her award by Matron Caroline Robertson.
2. Some members of the Diagnostic Imaging Booking Office Team, nominated in the Excellence in Admin, Clerical and Corporate Support of the Year Category.