Hospital staff celebrated during week of appreciation

University Hospital Southampton (UHS) is celebrating the dedication, compassion and excellence of staff with its annual week-long programme of appreciation events across the Trust.

Entitled We Are UHS Week, it recognises the commitment of colleagues across all areas of the hospital, reflecting on the difference they make to patients, teams and the wider community every day – as well as promoting wellbeing and learning.

This year saw the celebration week also incorporate the Trust’s annual awards ceremony, which was held on Monday, with UHS chief executive David French hosting a special recognition event honouring individuals and teams.

It consisted of four awards highlighting those who go above and beyond for patients, including the Experience of Care Award, which went to Ward D3 – a 22-bedded adult cardiac ward.

The team was nominated by the family of John Alexander, from Poole, who spent a year in hospital following complications from cardiac surgery.

John’s daughter, Cherry Thomas, said: “This team went above and beyond for my father during his year on ward D3. Both he and my mum were treated with such care and kindness during a very traumatic time for our family.

“Dad was never just 'Side Room 5' – he was a person and he was treated as such. He got to know every single member of staff who all made an effort to lift his spirits.

“He spent his 70th birthday, his wedding anniversary, my mum’s birthday and Christmas on the ward, and each occasion was celebrated by the team. On the day he was discharged, staff even came in on their days off to wish him well.

“To have Dad finally home is something we’ll never forget and we are beyond grateful.”

Other award winners included:

• Trauma theatres team – Chief Executive’s Award (clinical) for their exceptional coordination during an emergency procedure for a critically injured polytrauma patient in May. Their teamwork across surgical, anaesthetic, radiology and transfusion services was instrumental in saving the patient’s life under intense pressure.
  
  
• Sarah Swanton, associate director of operations – Chief Executive’s Award (non-clinical) for her consistently outstanding leadership of the hospital site team. Known for her kindness, resilience and unwavering professionalism, Sarah is deeply respected by colleagues for her ability to support others, especially in challenging circumstances.
  
  
• Craig Hobbs, mechanical assistant in estates, facilities and capital development – Southampton Hospitals Charity Award for his creative contributions to hospital art projects and his passionate advocacy for the charity within the community.

Guests and winners were able to celebrate and share their achievements at a post-awards gathering while being entertained by the UHS Choir.

Throughout the week, events will continue to celebrate the brilliance of UHS staff, with a focus on wellbeing and best practice. Executive leaders will take part in “trolley dashes” – surprise visits across the hospital delivering cakes, sweets and wellbeing treats as a heartfelt thank you to teams.

Other activities include pop-up appreciation stations, shout-outs on internal channels and moments of reflection on the achievements of individuals and teams.

"Our staff are the heartbeat of this hospital,” said Mr French. “In these challenging times for the NHS, it’s more important than ever to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and excellence of our people and the lengths they go to for our patients.

“This week is all about celebrating the incredible work they do – whether they’re on the front line, behind the scenes or supporting our services in countless ways every single day.

“Although this year’s format differs from previous annual staff awards, the spirit of recognition is stronger than ever.

“We’re meeting staff where they are – on wards, in offices and corridors – and thanking them in person. It’s about connection, appreciation and honouring the everyday brilliance of our teams.”

He added: “I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Southampton Hospitals Charity for their generous support of this year’s We Are UHS Week and all they do for our patients and staff throughout the year.”