Guy’s and St Thomas’ honours its outstanding nurses and midwives

Guy’s and St Thomas’ has been celebrating its outstanding nurses and midwives who have gone above and beyond for their patients and colleagues.

Now in its sixth year, the Trust’s annual Nursing and Midwifery Awards honoured 24 individuals and a team. The award ceremony took place at St Thomas’ Hospital and was streamed to several other sites across the Trust. 

Professor Greta Westwood, Chief Executive Officer of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, kicked off the celebrations by giving an inspirational speech about her 44-year nursing career and thanked staff for never losing focus over the last two years.

Florence Awichi, who leads a team of community midwives, was named Midwife of the Year. She was recognised for her calm and compassionate leadership style, and her expertise in caring for women who have more complex social and medical care needs.

Team of the Year went to the emergency department (A&E) at St Thomas’ Hospital. As one of the busiest department’s in the country, the nurses care for hundreds of patients each day. They regularly contribute ideas for new ways of working for the benefit of patients and the department.

Joseph Juaneza, a lead nurse at Royal Brompton Hospital, was named Heart, Lung and Critical Care Nurse of the Year. He was recognised for supporting and developing the nurse-led sedation programme in the cardiac catheter laboratories. Joseph acts as a role model, remaining calm under pressure especially when dealing with complex situations.

Evelina London Nurse of the Year went to Atinuke ‘Tinu’ Ademefun, a senior staff nurse who cares for children and young people who require dialysis treatment. Tinu involves patients in their treatment and takes the time to explain information to them. She always encourages her team to develop their skills and students enjoy her tailor-made presentations and quizzes.

Sarah Smith, from the health inclusion team, won Community Nurse of the Year for her work supporting homeless patients with complex social and medical histories. She has advanced skills and can offer a full range of services to vulnerable people, and always treats everyone with dignity and respect.

Waqas Choudhry, head of nursing for theatres, anaesthesia and perioperative care, received the Senior Leadership Award. He was recognised for his ‘can do’ attitude and for introducing a wellbeing plan, allowing his team time to reflect, rest and recharge. 

At the end of the ceremony Joy Godden was presented with the prestigious Chief Nursing Officer for England Silver award which recognises major contributions to patients and the profession. She was honoured for her services to the NHS having been Director of Nursing and Governance at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals before retiring in December 2021. She was presented with the award by Duncan Burton, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England.

Avey Bhatia, Chief Nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “The compassion, professionalism and skills shown by our staff over the last two years represents nursing and midwifery care at its best. I am incredibly proud of all our nurses and midwives and it’s really important that their hard work and outstanding care is recognised and celebrated.”

A huge congratulations to all of the award winners: