Spring sunshine and warm hearts at Quarterly Recognition Event

Oxford University Hospitals was delighted on Monday 23 March 2026 to hold another Quarterly Recognition Event, celebrating Trust staff nominated by colleagues through our Staff Recognition Hub.

Gathering for lunch in the John Radcliffe Hospital's Oxford Hospitals Education Centre (OxHEC) were nominees from all backgrounds and Trust services, recognised for a wide variety of reasons.

Here below are the stories of just some, who had time for a few words before receiving their certificates.

Emma Savage, Complex Medicine Unit (CMU) Matron at the John Radcliffe Hospital, attended with Nicole, who nominated her for her compassion. Emma is enthusiastic about her role. "Every day is different, she says, "and you never know what’s going to happen when you leave the house in the morning." On CMU the team cares for the most frail and vulnerable patients. "It's all about keeping people safe," says Emma, "our patients and our staff".

Professor of Gastroenterology and Honorary Consultant Physician Jack Satsangi was nominated by Laura, both a patient and colleague at the Trust. She talks movingly about how she went 'all round the houses' looking for an explanation of her symptoms, and how eventually Professor Satsangi provided the correct diagnosis. The quality of his care was especially helpful while she navigated a shocking family bereavement. "He's my angel, I cannot thank him enough," she says. "He wraps me up in cotton wool, and I couldn't fault him as a consultant."

Community Midwife Amanda Crudgington was on holiday in Cornwall when a sudden fire broke out in offices on Level 7 of the Women's Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital. The midwives working there lost not only their work equipment and computers, but also all their personal belongings. Nominated by colleague Denise, Amanda worked remotely while on her annual leave, ensuring clinics were rescheduled, temporary offices provided elsewhere in Oxford, and vital personal items such as car keys were replaced.

A member of our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) nominated Jay Gawali, Senior Assistant and Discharge Coordinator, for his support of a child patient, after reading feedback from the family involved. Jay was praised for making the young patient feel like he was in a friendly environment, rather than undergoing tests in hospital. When asked about his nomination, Jay talks about the importance of 'patient-centred care'; he also says “I just like spending time interacting with the children - that's the best part of the job!"

Jon Brett is a Research Photographer with the Eye Research Group Oxford (ERGO). He is the man behind a new wayfinding scheme in Oxford Eye Hospital, which has delighted patients and staff. Patients follow colour-coded lines to colour-coded seats, reassured they are in the right place for their procedure. "The attention to detail is amazing," says Consultant Nurse Rebecca Turner, "even the teddy and bunny in the children's area have been positioned at exactly the right height for the patients to enjoy them. Now our staff can take a real pride in their working environment."

Oncology and Haematology Service Manager Natalia Borzyszkowska and Deputy Mat Szalankiewicz were recognised for continuing to provide a good service despite at one point having multiple vacancies in the department - highlighting the challenges of recruiting applicants with the necessary mix of skills and experience.

There were also awards for 'Reporting Excellence', and for 'Long Service' - Trust staff whose dedication has led to many years working on behalf of patients in Oxford.

Nominees for 'Reporting Excellence' included the Horton Radiology International Radiographers, for the quality of their presentations to colleagues.

Sharon Osbourne, Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre (OHTC) Administration Team Leader, was recognised for almost 38 years' Long Service. She describes how innovation has led to new, improved treatments over her many years at the Trust. "The relationship with patients has grown" she says, "it's better, more two-way. We've also had the Infected Blood Inquiry Report [published May 2024], so at times that has been quite stressful, and it helps us to bring patients, families and staff together."

Matron for Specialist Surgery, Bernadette Mitchell, began her nursing training in Oxford in 1979 and has since chalked up 42 continuous years working at the Trust. "Many of my colleagues retired," she reflects, "but I guess I’m just stubborn!"

Talking with nominees over lunch, and handing out the framed certificates afterwards, were OUH Chief People Officer Terry Roberts, Chief Operating Officer Felicity Taylor-Drewe and Chief Estates and Facilities Officer Lisa Hofen.

Terry Roberts ended the presentation with warm congratulations to all involved, and a reminder to staff throughout the Trust that they can nominate their colleagues for recognition.

"It only takes a few moments to nominate your fellow team members via our Staff Recognition Hub on the intranet: you could really make someone's day. We have all types of Staff Recognition - Instant, Monthly, Quarterly - plus our Annual Staff Recognition Awards event. So, don't delay, nominate today!"

Congratulations to everyone who was celebrated on Monday; a big thank you to Chamberlain Dunn, the organisers, and once again to Oxford Hospitals Charity and their donors and fundraisers for their unwavering support.

Pictured: 'Quarterly Recognition' nominees