Staff Recognition Awards 2026 finalists: Candice Noonan

Congratulations to all teams, individual members of staff, volunteers and fundraisers who were nominated for the OUH Staff Recognition Awards 2026, and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate.

In total, we received more than 1,900 nominations for this year's awards, which will be held at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on Thursday 18 June.

Ahead of the awards, we wanted to introduce you to some of our finalists. Here, we learn more about Candice Noonan.

A Bereavement Maternity Support Worker whose care was described as "a hug at the end of the phone" has been nominated for this year’s Patients' Choice Award.

Candice Noonan was nominated following a powerful nomination from a mother she supported after the stillbirth of her baby, recognising the compassion, reassurance and continuity of care she provided during an unimaginably difficult time.

In her nomination, the patient describes how her life "fell apart" after her daughter was stillborn – and how Candice became a vital source of comfort in the days, weeks and months that followed.

Candice, who is based at the John Radcliffe Hospital and supports women who give birth under the care of Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), became a trusted point of contact, providing calm, practical support during moments of intense distress. She helped the family navigate difficult arrangements while providing thoughtful reassurance, empathy and validation at a time when they felt overwhelmed.

The nomination read: "There are no words to describe Candice – she is nothing short of incredible. I literally would not have coped without the bereavement midwife team and Candice stands out as someone who went above and beyond."

The patient went on to describe how Candice’s support continued well beyond discharge from hospital, saying: "Candice was my go-to person to call when I felt like I couldn't cope. She constantly validated me as a mother and always said the right thing."

Despite having never met Candice in person, the patient said her presence was deeply reassuring. She said: "What is extraordinary is that I have never actually met Candice as she wasn't working the day [baby] was born. A phone call with Candice feels like I am being wrapped up in a hug and being given the tiniest bit of hope that I will get through this."

She added: "Candice was made for this role. I can't thank her enough – what a woman she is."

Candice said: "To be shortlisted for the Patients’ Choice Award, for simply doing what I love, feels incredibly special and I am so grateful. It is such an honour to be a small part of each person's journey.

“For this nomination to come from somebody in the depths of grief really does move me deeply. I want to say a heartfelt thank you for taking the time to nominate me.”

Milica Redfearn, Director of Midwifery at OUH, said: "Candice is truly exceptional and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised with this award. Her compassion, kindness and commitment make an immeasurable difference to families experiencing loss, often at the most devastating moments of their lives.

"This recognition is so well deserved and reflects the huge impact of her work and the difference she makes every day."

The Patients’ Choice Award celebrates staff nominated directly by patients or families and recognises care that goes above and beyond clinical duties, leaving a lasting impact. Congratulations and good luck to those nominated: Candice Noonan, Dawn Sheppard, Kirana Arambage and Jay Gawali.