Our CHuFT Awards are just 10 days away, and today we’re hearing from some of our finalists in our new category for 2026, Excellence in Support Services.

Domestic Assistant, Carissa Rhodes - pictured right, told us: "I was genuinely surprised and incredibly honoured to learn I was a finalist. As a Domestic Assistant, I take pride in helping create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients and colleagues, so to have that recognised means a great deal to me. It made me feel valued and proud to be part of the NHS team.

“I found out through my manager, and at first I couldn't quite believe it. It was such a lovely surprise, and I felt very grateful that someone had taken the time to nominate me.

"I'm looking forward to celebrating with colleagues and meeting other finalists who have all made a positive difference in their roles. It will be a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of NHS colleagues, and I'm excited to be part of such a special event."

Southside Dining’s, Sharon Rodgers, left, found out from a friend that she was a finalist. “I thought he was winding me up until other colleagues started to congratulate me. I am very shocked to have been nominated as I just see myself as coming to work and just doing my job that I love.”

Our Workforce BI Team, pictured middle, are also finalists. Head of Workforce Business Intelligence, Mark Bushby, said: "We’re really proud to be a finalist for Excellence in Support Services. It’s not something we expected, but is a great recognition of the work the team does behind the scenes to support colleagues across the Trust with ESR, essential safety training, and workforce data and insights. This nomination really means a lot to us, and we’re delighted to be recognised alongside so many brilliant colleagues."

Good luck to them and our other finalists in the category: Jamie Bussey-Thornton and Finlay Richardson.