Northamptonshire NHS staff celebrated for outstanding patient care at first-ever THRIVE Awards
“Behind every nomination is a story about somebody making a difference.” – Angela Hillery, NHFT chief executive.
NHS workers who have made an outstanding difference to patients and their families across Northamptonshire have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) held its inaugural THRIVE Awards at Corby Cube on Wednesday, November 11, celebrating the achievements of healthcare professionals, support staff and volunteers.
Among the winners were acute inpatient wards and psychiatric intensive care units at Berrywood Hospital in Northampton and St Mary's Hospital in Kettering.
They received the CEO and Chair Award following a recent Care Quality Commission inspection which rated their services 'Outstanding'.
The Recovery Team at HMP Peterborough was named Healthcare Team of the Year for its compassionate approach to supporting patients.
Other winners included Lara Elwick, from Northampton's Older Adults Community Mental Health Team, who received the Rising Star award.
Hannah Heaver, from Specialist Palliative Care at Cransley Hospice, received the Special Recognition Award, while Adele Solomon, from Hazelwood at Isebrook Hospital, won the Valuing Our People Award.
Lisa Louden, from the Perinatal Mental Health Team, received the Patient and Carer Choice Award.
Rhiannon Grebert, from the Gender Identity Clinic at Daventry's Danetre Hospital, won the Healthy Communities Award.
The Clinical Leader of the Year award went to Lyndsey Rignall, from Urgent Community Response, while Kenny Oyeneyin, from HMP Lincoln, was named Caregiver of the Year.
NHFT chief executive Angela Hillery said: “Across NHFT, our colleagues make a difference every single day.
“Whether supporting patients, service users, carers, families or each other, their dedication and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.”
Further awards recognised the Turnaround Team in secured services, the Group Co-production Charter initiative and support leaders Ilona Laverenko and Kerrey Healey.
The ceremony was hosted by local broadcaster John Griff and celebrated achievements across frontline care, leadership, community partnerships and innovation.
NHFT said the awards reflected its commitment to compassionate care and improving wellbeing across the communities it serves.
Nominations for the Patient and Carer Choice Award remain open throughout the year, allowing patients and families to recognise staff who have made a difference.
Details about nominating individuals or teams for the 2027 awards are available at www.nhft.nhs.uk/thriveawards.