It's less than three weeks until nominations close for our CHuFT Awards 2025, so we asked the SAU's Clinical Matron, Fran Howland to explain the impact of winning the Must Do Award in 2023. The team on SAU picked up the award for adopting a “kindness culture”. 

Fran said: "Getting shortlisted was a very humbling experience alone, but to be recognised on the day, and actually win the award was absolutely fantastic. Our team were watching the live stream from home, and had it on one of the computers on the ward, and the whole atmosphere was electric.

"As soon as we won, our WhatsApp group lit up like the Blackpool Illuminations! 

"We have the award on display, with great pride, and have often shared our achievements with patients and visitors.  We have made it our mission to nominate more people this year, and we still have a list to add the ones we've already sent in. 

"Times are tough out there on our wards and departments, and to get recognition with these awards, is a real morale booster for the teams. Everyone should be so proud of the work they do, no matter where they work, and having won our award during one of our most challenging times to date, made us all feel very proud and confirmed we are doing a good job. 

"Having won an award last year, we have offered our golden tickets to some members of the team who didn't get the opportunity to go so I have no doubt they'll have a great evening. Wishing everyone all the best of luck for this years awards. I feel it's going to be one of those occasions that gets bigger and better each year!"

We've had more than 150 nominations to date - so who will you put forward?

Nominations close on Friday, 16th May. Visit our CHuFT Awards website to submit your nomination.