OUH winners at Unsung Hero Awards 2024

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) was named as a winner in two of the Unsung Hero Awards 2024 categories.

The national awards are for non-medical / non-clinical NHS staff and volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Three individuals and three teams were nominated, with the Trust overall receiving a nomination for the Special Recognition Award - an inaugural award to recognise NHS trusts for their outstanding support for non-medical and non-clinical staff across their organisations.

We are delighted to say that OUH won the Special Recognition Award, and our Neurosciences Admin Team won their award in the 'Admin and Clerical' category.

Neurosciences Admin Team 

Part of the nomination for the Neurosciences Admin Team read:

"As the Clinical Lead for Neurosurgery for the Southeast Region of England, I oversee clinical and non-clinical operations across three sites: Oxford, Southampton, and Brighton. This year it was a tough one particularly for Oxford Neurosciences Division, not only due to the winter and pandemic pressures, but also for the sad loss of one of their team members who had been a pillar for the neurosurgical, neurological, and spinal departments for so many years.

"The Neurosciences Admin Staff at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust deserve praise for a number of reasons: not only they managed to overcome personal struggles and to leverage on their inner positive energy to move forward, but they also created and nurtured a flourishing working environment, where the collaborative spirit to pursue a common goal led them to achieve excellent operational performances."

A key theme throughout the nomination was the team's compassion, support, and love for each other following the untimely loss of their colleague John.

Paula Hearne, Neurology Assistant Service Manager, said: "Having received this award was an amazing experience. I felt this was in the honour of John, and even being nominated in the first place showed that we have been looked upon by other members of the department in terms of just how closely we have worked and pulled together and supported each other. It's such a great feeling to be part of a great team."

Alix Platt, Deputy Directorate Manager for Neurosciences, said: "I could not be more grateful or proud of our admin teams in Neurosciences for winning this very special award, it means so much to us as Directorate team after a very difficult time after suddenly losing John after 13 years of working with him.

"This was on top of other issues like operational pressures and workplace challenges, however everyone has pulled together to encourage and support each other through the good days and the bad days, turning the cogs in the background to support our clinical colleagues and deliver patient care to the best of our ability, as well as adapting to new processes and implementing pathways to improve patient care.

"It truly is a pleasure to work with the most hard-working, compassionate and dedicated people. You are all amazing at what you do - thank you!"

Special Recognition Award

Introduced this year, the Special Recognition Award is a prestigious accolade that shines a spotlight on the contributions made by NHS trusts across the country.

This new category is designed to honour the trust that has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and commitment to recognising the unsung heroes within their organisation.

As winners of the award, the number of nominations from OUH demonstrates the exceptional quality of staff as part of OneTeamOneOUH, as well as high levels of appreciation from our nominees' peers and OUH overall.

Professor Meghana Pandit, Chief Executive Officer at OUH, said: "We are all incredibly proud of our winners and nominees from OUH, and are honoured to receive the inaugural Special Recognition Award.

"Here at OUH, there are countless individuals and teams that work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly and providing essential support to patients and our staff. I am delighted to see members of OUH being honoured this way, and very proud that our contribution as a Trust is being recognised too."

A huge congratulations to all involved, including all of our wonderful nominees. Thank you for all that you do as part of OneTeamOneOUH.

You can read about all of our nominees for the Unsung Hero Awards in our news story:

Unsung Hero Awards 2024 - meet your nominees from OUH

Pictured: members of our Neurosciences Admin Team