A huge thank you to those colleagues who have offered to support our CHuFT Awards shortlisting panels, which take place all this week.

They begin the difficult task of choosing our finalists today – pictured are colleagues on the One Culture of Care panel, Head of Quality and Patient Safety Sharon Cundy, Medical Rota Coordinator Stacey Boltwood, PMO Manager Rebecca Sharpe,  CHS Facilities Manager Joanne Lambert,  Matron for Patient Experience Alex Keaskin,  Junior Information Governance Officer Rebekah Coldwell and Physiotherapist, Gemma Weatherby.

The winner in each category will then be determined by a further panel made up from members of the Executive Board ahead of the Awards night at The Arches, Dean Clough, Halifax, on Thursday, 2nd July.

Alex said: "I volunteered to represent the Patient Experience team to see how colleagues and teams contribute to improving patient experience. Being in hospital and receiving care/treatment is often really worrying and stressful for patients and their families, so it's great to see when compassion and kindness makes difficult times a bit easier on people. We don’t always hear about the “unsung heroes” whose acts of kindness go a long way, and I am looking forward to celebrating those people who go above and beyond to improve the experience of our patients and their loved ones."

Rebekah added: "I had the pleasure and privilege of being asked to be on the panel last year and I couldn’t resist coming back for more. I found the shortlisting experience to be a great way to get to know more about the fabulous people that work here and the interesting work that goes on in our hospitals and beyond. I also found it really enlightening to hear the perspectives of other colleagues and learn more about the shortlisting process. Sharing good biscuits with new people is always fun too!"

Stacey also said: "It’s inspiring to hear the stories behind the nominations and to be part of celebrating colleagues who make such a positive difference every day. I’m really looking forward to seeing the final awards and acknowledging everyone’s achievements."

Rebecca said: "This is the 2nd year I’ve been lucky to be part of the shortlisting panel. It’s such an uplifting experience, to hear all the great examples of colleagues going above and beyond in their roles and embodying CHFT's values and behaviours. The quality of the nominations are so good it’s very hard to choose from! Good luck to all those nominated. You are all winners to me."

Thank you to every single colleague who took time out of their busy schedules to shout-out about all the amazing work that happens across CHFT every day.

We'll be sharing all our finalists in The Week with Rob on Friday, 29th May, so not long to wait!

Pictured left to right: Gemma, Rebekah, Rebecca, Joanne, Alex and Stacey.