An 'overwhelmed' Head Nurse for Community Division, Sarah Wilson, collected the Compassionate Leader Award.

Nominations in our newest category, were for colleagues that make a real difference to the person who nominated them, their team and their service users, role modelling the values and behaviours of the organisation. Entries needed to include examples of how they’ve led change, put people first and achieved a positive outcome.

When asked on stage what drives her to be a compassionate leader, Sarah said: "It’s all about the people, as simple as that. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or your background. And her advice on how others can continue to be compassionate leaders? "Make time for everybody. Never walk past someone who’s looking for help, it doesn't matter who it is - just make the time.

"It's overwhelming to win, and I'm completely in shock, but feel so very lucky."

Some of Sarah’s nomination read: “Sarah is an absolute prime text book example of a compassionate, caring and exemplary leader and we are lucky to have her leading community nursing services. I am honoured to nominate her as she is oblivious to how much of a positive impact she has on me. She is truly inspiring and a role model to me and colleagues.

“She is very keen and compassionate about service provision and gets excited in discussions about changes and opportunities to develop and enhance service delivery and looking at new ways of working. She oozes compassion, understanding, kindness and respect and creates a positive and enjoyable working environment. Recently we have moved base to Dean Clough, and she has been outstanding in supporting staff and addressing concerns to reassure colleagues that this will be a positive change and improve ways of working. She has made the process much more seamless, inviting us to meetings, having open and honest discussions and exploring concerns.”

Huge congratulations to our other finalists: Operations Manager Kam Khehra, Dr Laxmikant Chaudhari, Head Nurse Vanessa Dickinson, and Inpatient Therapy Team Leader, Vicky Jackson-Furness.