Celebrities pay tribute to award-winning NHS stars
Celebrities pay tribute to award-winning NHS stars
Well-known figures from the world of film, television, sport, and music have shared heartfelt videos of gratitude and admiration for NHS staff.
The thank-you messages were played to nearly 400 people at the iconic Kia Oval yesterday (Tuesday 9 December) – where individuals and teams at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group were recognised at a special awards ceremony.
Lorraine Kelly – an ambassador for St George’s Hospital Charity – was among the 10 famous names to record a special message. She suffered life-threatening injuries in 2012 when she was trampled after falling from a horse, losing three pints of blood and requiring urgent care from specialist teams at St George’s.
“I’ve experienced first-hand the exceptional care at St George’s Hospital, and I know just how much dedication and compassion goes into every part of your work,” she said.
“You really do make a difference to the lives of patients and their families, and for that I am incredibly grateful. To all the amazing staff across St George’s, Queen Mary’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals, thank you. You really are the backbone of our NHS.”
Singer Beverley Knight said: “I could not be more proud of the NHS and particularly you guys who work within the NHS, whether it’s on the wards or off them, whether you’re manning the phones, going round to people’s homes – whatever aspect of the work you do, you are valued and you are loved.
“You guys are our heartbeat – thank you all for what you do.”
Actress and Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha said: “You’re all incredible, you work so hard. There’s so many times that I have thanked the Lord God Almighty for the NHS.”
The gesh CARE awards – sponsored by St George’s Hospital Charity and Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, plus local businesses – recognise clinical and non-clinical staff who make a difference to patients, colleagues, and the wider community.
More than 900 nominations were received – with winners crowned across 13 categories.
James Blythe, Interim Group Chief Executive, said: “These awards celebrate the very best of gesh and the NHS, and we heard some extraordinary examples of the compassion and kindness our teams show to our patients and each other.
“Compared to last year, we received nearly double the number of nominations, and each and every one is a testament to the difference our teams – clinical and non-clinical – make to other people’s lives. I’m very proud to work alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues, who deserve every bit of recognition.”
The ceremony was hosted by award-winning TV presenter Elle Osili-Wood, who said: “It was an absolute privilege to host these awards and very humbling to hear so many powerful and touching stories.
“It was such a joyful, happy occasion – and made me very proud of our wonderful NHS and all the people working at gesh. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, and thank you to them for everything they do each and every day.”
This year’s winners included:
- St George’s stoma nurse Sophie Jones, who was nominated by a patient in the Public Choice Award category for going “far beyond her role” and becoming their “guide, advocate, and constant source of strength”.
- St George’s Neonatal Ventilation Team, which has transformed neonatal respiratory care – halving deaths in infants with chronic lung disease
- Dr Carolyn Croucher, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Epsom and St Helier, who won Leader of the Year for being a “beacon of hope” for people facing fertility challenges
- Epsom and St Helier volunteer and former nurse Marion Landeg, who helps in one of the busy emergency departments – by supporting patients, cleaning, making beds, and providing snacks and refreshments for staff.
A full list of winners is available here.
There was also recognition for exceptional care provided in the community by Sutton Health and Care and Surrey Downs Health and Care, with finalists including:
- Sutton Health and Care’s Maximising Independence Service, which assesses and supports people with conditions that affect functional ability such as walking, balance, and hand function
- Surrey Downs Health and Care physiotherapist Beth Sellwood, who has developed a new pathway for people living with Parkinson’s disease to help them maintain independence.
Notes to editors
- The celebrity video messages can be watched and downloaded here.
- They include Lorraine Kelly, Nadia Sawalha, Beverley Knight, cricketer Tymal Mills, costume designer Sandy Powell, Olympian Michelle Griffith-Robinson, TV presenter Marverine Cole, singer Junior Giscombe, The Traitors star Fay Greaves, and Married At First Sight host Paul C Brunson.
- The Pelican Hotel and Residence, and our NHS charities St George’s Hospital Charity and Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, were this year’s headline sponsors. Other sponsors include Hanevo, Russell Cawberry, Wibble Foods, and Keystream Group.
- A full list of winners is available here.
