We Are UHS Champions award winners 2025
Each year we celebrate the dedication, compassion and excellence of our staff with a week-long programme of appreciation events across UHS.
This year, our annual staff award ceremony was celebrated as part of this week, at a special recognition event hosted by our chief executive. Read about our winners below.
Chief executive's award - clinical
The trauma theatres team
In May, this team carried out a high-stakes emergency procedure for a critically injured polytrauma patient.
It was a complex case that demanded flawless coordination between surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses, as well as teams from interventional radiology, radiology, and blood transfusion.
Their resilience, skill, and unwavering commitment were truly exceptional – working under intense pressure and adapting swiftly to changing needs.
Chief executive's award - non clinical
Sarah Swanton, associate director of operations
Sarah has been recognised for being consistently outstanding – calm, competent, and always focused on delivering the best patient experience.
She leads the site team with exceptional skill, handling operational challenges with quiet efficiency and unwavering professionalism.
Sarah’s colleagues say her kindness, resilience and ability to support those around her - especially in challenging circumstances - sets her apart.
She is true example of leadership under pressure and our Trust values of patients first, working together and always improving in action.
Experience of care champion
Ward D3
This incredible team was nominated by a patient’s daughter, who shared how they went above and beyond during the year her father spent on ward D3, a cardiac ward.
She said: “He was not just ‘side room five’ – he was a person and was treated as such. Every single member of staff made an effort to boost his morale and keep him lifted.
“My mum, who stayed at Heartbeat House, was also treated with such care and kindness.”
Ward D3 were also praised by the patient’s family for keeping him informed and speaking up on his behalf when it truly mattered – showing compassion, advocacy, and dedication every step of the way.
Southampton Hospitals Charity champion
Craig Hobbs, customer services manager, estates, facilities and capital development
Craig supports the charity with creative art projects across the hospital, brings energy to events, and is a passionate advocate for the charity in the wider community.