Staff Nurse, Kacie Edwards was the winner in this category, where judges looked 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.

Her nominator wrote how Kacie brings exceptional compassion, uplifting colleagues with genuine care, warmth and positivity. She supports others instinctively, creating a safe, inclusive environment where people feel valued and heard. In a high-pressure setting, she delivers patient-centred care with kindness, dignity and skill, while strengthening team morale. Her thoughtful actions leave a lasting impact on colleagues, patients and families alike.

A powerful example was her care for a young patient who attended A&E in a mental health crisis. Despite the challenges of a busy and demanding environment, she ensured that this patient was not simply treated as a case, but as a person. She took the time to build trust with them, speaking to them with patience, kindness, and respect, and creating a sense of safety during a very distressing time. She was equally compassionate towards their family, recognising their anxiety and exhaustion, and offering reassurance, updates, and emotional support throughout their time in the department. Kacie's nominator wrote: "Through her actions, she truly embodies and role models One Culture of Care every day. A ray of sunshine during this family's storm."

They added: What makes her particularly exceptional is that her care does not end when the shift does. She takes the time to check in on colleagues even on her days off, sending messages to see how they are feeling and offering support if they’ve had a tough shift. This demonstrates a depth of compassion and commitment that goes well beyond professional obligation, and it shows that she genuinely cares about the wellbeing of those she works with.

Collecting her Award, Kacie said: "I cannot thank everyone I work with in A&E enough. Everyone has said it tonight. CHFT is such a big family. There’s not a shift that goes by that you wouldn’t be able to get through without the teams. Not just my A&E family who I adore. It’s all the specialties from ICU, Stroke, Respiratory, Cardiology, Acute Response Team to Porters. I literally can’t get through a shift without them and this Award is for everyone."

Congratulations to our other finalists: Children and Young People’s Services Operational Manager Kayleigh Rufus, Matron Clair Woodrow, Anaesthetics Consultant Matthew Williams and CHS Security Officer Radu Crisan.