Our new category for 2026, Excellence in Support Services, saw yet again such a high standard that our judges selected two winners. So congratulations to Bank Assistant Practitioner, Jamie Bussey-Thornton, and ISS Porter, Finlay Richardson.

Jamie was nominated for delivering a vital behind-the-scenes role, improving theatre efficiency and safety across two sites. Exceeding expectations, he achieved more than £250,000 in savings while strengthening equipment governance. His work enables smoother theatre lists, fewer disruptions, and earlier issue resolution, improving colleague experience and patient care - demonstrating the essential impact of high-quality support services.

The nomination explained how operating theatres depend on hundreds of pieces of specialist equipment and consumables being available, safe and ready for use at exactly the right time. When equipment fails, is unavailable or poorly coordinated, operations can be delayed, patients can wait longer for treatment and colleagues face unnecessary pressure. Jamie ensures that this simply doesn’t happen. He is a perfect example of the extraordinary difference that exceptional support services colleagues make every single day.

Taking to the stage, Jamie told Neeraj: "I just want to give a massive thank you to the whole surgical team. We're always doing all we can to put our patients first."

Finlay was nominated for the way he handled a challenging incident of racial abuse with professionalism, confidence and compassion, firmly addressing unacceptable behaviour and supporting the team. Despite being one of the newest members, he showed maturity by ensuring colleagues felt safe. His actions went above and beyond, helping colleagues feel supported and valued during a difficult situation.

Finlay told Neeraj what he enjoys about working at CHFT: "It’s like a family, we're just all together. You speak to so many people every day, everyone is nice and it’s lovely. I love coming into work."

Congratulations to our other finalists: Domestic Assistant Carissa Rhodes, The Workforce Business Intelligence Team and Southside Dining’s Sharon Rodgers.