Our CHuFT Awards draw nearer, with the ceremony to be held at The Arches next month. Today, we hear from some of our One Culture of Care finalists about how they felt when they learned they'd been shortlisted.

This category was looking for a colleague or team who always looks out for others, checks to see how they are doing, offers support, and is friendly, warm, welcoming and inclusive.

• Carol Sarr, Midwife Manager: CRH Birth Centre
• Jan Cowling, Staff Nurse: Orthopaedic Outpatients
• Long Covid Team: Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Dr Qazi Ullah: Medical Staff, A&E
• Victoria Matundan, Staff Nurse: Operating Theatres

Jan, said: "I was absolutely thrilled to have been nominated, and even more delighted and humbled to know that l was a finalist in the One Culture of Care category. I am part of a superb team and am very well supported in my role by my managers and colleagues who help to make every day a joy and support me in all that l do.

"My nomination should be for all who provide compassionate care and support to patients and each other in my department. I don't like being the centre of attention but will enjoy the evening very much and will make the most of such a special occasion. I greatly admire the other finalists in all the categories and think that they all do a superb job. I wish them all continued success."

Heather Moffat wrote on behalf of the Long Covid Team: "What made the nomination so special for us is that it was submitted by our patients, many of whom work for our organisation.

"There is an overwhelming feeling of pride in the team. The nomination has demonstrated that we have achieved what we had set out to, in that we have given people a voice and strategies which has empowered them to be heard. We have all been on a unique journey together with our patients managing a new scary condition with no test, no cure, no clear prognosis and no guidelines and every day has absolutely been a school day. Thank you CHFT for giving us the opportunity to highlight this type of work. And a massive thanks to our nominators."

Qazi added: "To be recognised in this category is incredibly meaningful to me, especially given how much I value the ethos of compassion and inclusivity within our Trust.

"When I received the news, I felt both proud and deeply grateful – proud of the wonderful teams and colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside, and grateful for the culture at CHFT that allows us to care not just for our patients, but for each other. I’m really looking forward to the event, celebrating with others who go above and beyond every day will no doubt be a highlight of the year."

Victoria said: "Wow! Just wow! It is an incredible honour to be a finalist. I cannot express my joy enough, to see that the work I have put in is recognised by others.

"I have travelled all the way from the Philippines, looking for opportunities, not just to support my family back home, but also for the chance to bring my skills internationally and serve others from all over the world. Establishing a life here in this country is a dream. One made possible by the NHS, it’s recognition and equal treatment towards international nurses. Despite our different backgrounds they have made sure to help us feel right at home here. If I win that award it won't just be for me, but for the entirety of our Operations, Surgery and Anaesthetics Division. I have witnessed first hand the pure dedication and skill that they deliver behind closed doors."

Pictured clockwise from the top left: Victoria in the flowered dress, Carol, Qasi with the Emergency Medicine and Acute Response Teams, The Long Covid Team: Dr Simon Ting; Laura Rogers; Sarah Friessner-Day; Toni Healey; Heather Moffat; Anita Devine. Lucy Breaks wasn't available for the photo, and Jan.

Congratulations to all our nominees: