Our People Award winners
Our people do incredible things every day to ensure you and your loved ones receive compassionate care when you need us. The Our People Awards recognise our people and teams who have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional care, and we’re so proud to name our latest winners, who were decided by a panel of judges from across our organisation. The winners will be invited to our annual celebration event which takes place in May.
Congratulations to our latest Our People Award nominees and winners!
Chair’s Special Award
Joint winners: Paul Gaunt, Minor Works Manager and Lucy Smith, Occupational Therapist
“Paul’s exceptional contribution to the creation and installation of the organ donation memorial at Torbay Hospital, a project that has touched families, staff, and the wider community deserves to be recognised. From planning to completion, Paul’s unwavering support, collaboration, and attention to detail ensured every element was delivered with care.”
“Lucy has shown outstanding leadership, compassion, and professionalism. Throughout times of great change and challenge, Lucy has guided the Occupational Therapy team with wisdom, kindness, and practicality, sharing her vast knowledge and always putting families first. Her integrity, generosity, and unwavering support for both colleagues and service users make her an invaluable member of the team.”
We are a team
Winner: Acute Medical Unit
“Every staff member’s commitment is truly inspiring. I have never seen such a hardworking group of people who, no matter what, each give 1000%. Nothing is ever too small for any patient who comes through the department. The way you all tackle challenges with impressive problem-solving skills, quick thinking, and a proactive approach is remarkable. I deeply admire how you approach every situation with such optimism and resilience, always treating patients with dignity and honouring their values, preferences, and needs throughout the entire care process.”
We are safe and healthy
Joint Winners: Erica Dunn, Matron, and McCallum Ward
“Erica deserves to be recognised for her extraordinary dedication and long-standing commitment to the NHS, particularly in the field of cardiology. Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional compassion towards patients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care. Beyond her empathetic nature, she has been instrumental in driving significant positive changes in current clinical practices, improving outcomes and efficiency within the department. Her expertise, leadership, and unwavering support have made her an invaluable asset to the team, inspiring colleagues and elevating the overall quality of care provided. She truly embodies the spirit of excellence and compassion that this award seeks to honour.”
“McCallum Ward staff have shown outstanding dedication and adaptability during the transition from a rehab ward to a Short Stay Acute Medical Unit. Despite being the smallest and most remote ward, they rose to every challenge, taking in extra patients, even converting the day room into a care space, while providing compassionate, dignified care with kindness and warmth. The staff of McCallum Ward are truly exceptional.”
We work flexibly
Joint winners: Horizon Centre Admin Team and Richard Tredigo, Change Support – ICE Order Comms Project
“The Horizon Centre Admin team has shown exceptional flexibility, positivity, and dedication to supporting staff and learners. They’ve led the development of a ‘virtual receptionist,’ ensuring seamless guidance and signposting for visitors and learners while adapting to new ways of working.’’
“Richard was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the launch of ICE. He consistently made himself available providing a valuable sounding board for ideas. His patience and willingness to support did not go unnoticed. Richard played a key role in helping navigate challenges. His commitment made a significant difference, and we’re deeply grateful for his support.”
We are compassionate and inclusive
Winner: Mandy Turner, Medical Education Coordinator for Foundation Doctors
“Mandy has gone above and beyond her role to support international resident doctors arriving in the UK, ensuring they have not just housing but a safe and welcoming start to their new lives. She dedicates her own time, often evenings and weekends, to find fair accommodation, prevent exploitation, and offer reassurance when doctors face uncertainty.
Her compassion and determination make a lasting difference. Mandy’s kindness, fairness, and humanity have created a culture of trust and belonging, helping doctors feel truly at home.”
We each have a voice that counts
Winner: Poppy Wilson-Deane, Senior Community Children’s Nurse
“Poppy has worked tirelessly with a family over the last few months, to get the parents and child’s voice heard. This had made a massive impact on this family, she has listened to all their concerns, arranged many professional meetings to advocate for a child whose voice, due to complicated medical needs, may be difficult to hear.
Poppy has been fully committed to working alongside the family and ensuring they are the focus of all care planning.”
We are always learning
Winner: Louise Merker, Consultant Oncoplastic Surgeon
“Since joining us in December 2023 as a new consultant, Miss Merker has transformed breast cancer research at Torbay, leading seven national and international trials and placing the hospital among the top five UK recruiters for multiple studies. She has fostered cross-specialty collaboration, mentored resident doctors in the Associate PI scheme, and expanded patient access to cutting-edge trials. Her work has not only strengthened evidence-based care but also reshaped the unit’s approach to research, ensuring that future consultants are equipped with essential trial skills. Achieving all this in such a short time highlights her exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact.”
If you’ve received exceptional care from a person or a team who’ve supported you in our hospitals or community services, why not nominate them for an Our People Award?