Honouring nursing and midwifery staff who go “above and beyond”

Nursing and midwifery staff who go the extra mile to provide the best possible care for patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ have received awards at a special event.

870 nominations were received for the Trust’s annual Nursing and Midwifery Awards, which celebrate exceptional nursing and midwifery staff across hospital and community services.

Grace Zisengwe was awarded ‘Specialist Nurse of the Year’ for her positive impact on the Prostate Cancer Service. Grace shows genuine compassion and dedication, significantly improved faster diagnostic standards, and co-runs Brother to Brother, a support group for Black men with prostate cancer. She has also presented her work internationally, winning best poster prize at the European Association of Urology Nursing meeting.

Samantha Gainfort, who supports families through their child's tracheostomy journey, was named ‘Evelina London (Children’s) Nurse of the Year’. She was commended for empowering families to care for their child at home. Samantha also initiated the "Tracheostomy Party" at Evelina London, which provides a safe space for children with medical needs to enjoy a party.

The ‘Dental Nurse of the Year’ award went to Zoe Loughney who was nominated for her kindness and positive attitude in caring for restorative oncology patients. Zoe assists people without hesitation and has a strong work ethic.

Chief Nursing Officer for England Duncan Burton presented the Victoria Ward nurses at Royal Brompton Hospital with the Patients’ Choice Award. The team support patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions, and was nominated by a patient who said: “I am a frequent inpatient on Victoria Ward, and the past 12 months have been challenging. I cannot single out one nurse because the entire nursing team on Victoria Ward is exceptional.

“They know me very well and seem to have an intuitive sense when I am particularly unwell. They are quick to act, supportive, and advocate for me when necessary. Importantly, they provide the same high level of care to all patients. While a few nurses stand out, it is truly a team effort!”

Avey Bhatia, Chief Nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “This past year has been filled with challenges but it has also highlighted the remarkable strength and adaptability of our nursing and midwifery teams. You have navigated these with grace and determination, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care, even in the most trying times.

“We celebrate not only the achievements of our award nominees and winners but also the collective efforts of everyone within the nursing and midwifery team who has gone above and beyond in their roles. Your dedication to patient care, your commitment to continuous improvement, and your ability to inspire and support your colleagues are what make our healthcare system truly exceptional.”

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing for Officer England, said: “Victoria Ward’s nursing team makes a real difference to patients with their person-centred care, so I was delighted to present them with the Patients’ Choice Award.

“I also had the chance to present Caroline Chinondo with a Chief Nursing Officer for England Silver Award in recognition of her dedication to improving patient care and experience, and her work to promote and champion inclusive leadership and support colleagues throughout their careers.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners – I was so impressed by your commitment to delivering excellent patient care and to our nursing and midwifery professions. Thank you for all you do.”

The award-winning nursing and midwifery staff for 2025 are:

Matron of the Year Award    

Desiree Dancel

Team of the Year Award               

Apheresis Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Nurse Practitioner team

Dental Nurse of the Year                                              

Zoe Loughney

Community nurse/midwife of the year                  

Rachael Constance

Consultant Nurse or Midwife of the Year              

Louisa Fleure

Practise Development Nurse or Midwife / Clinical Educator of the Year

Pedro Sousa

Kofoworola Abeni Pratt Inclusion Award

Liz Allibone

The Nightingale Fellowship Award                           

Carnell Aguirre

Student Nurse, Midwife or Nursing Associate Trainee / Dental Nurse Apprenticeship of the Year

Mathursika Kannathasan

Nursing Assistant / Healthcare Support Worker / Community Rehabilitation or Community Support Worker of the Year

Bima Sherpa

Nursing Associate of the Year                                     

Maria Horta

Senior Leadership Award                                             

Catriona Benson

Specialist Nurse of the Year (Advanced nurse practitioner / Specialist community public health nurse)

Grace Zisengwe

Research Nurse or Midwife of the Year                  

Zandile Khumalo

Patients’ Choice Award                                                 

Victoria Ward nurses

Evelina London (Children’s) Nurse of the Year     

Samantha Gainfort

Evelina London Midwife of the Year                        

Hannah Wilberforce

Integrated and Specialist Medicine Nurse of the Year

Patricia Freeman

Cancer and Surgery Nurse of the Year                    

Rebekah Scholes

Heart, Lung and Critical Care Nurse of the Year  

Tamanna Kabir

Sister, midwife, or charge nurse of the year         

Amy Packwood

Maternity Support Worker of the Year                   

Edna Ruedas

Research Engagement Award                                    

Aleksandra Williams

Trust Nurse / Midwife of the Year                            

Joseph Juanaza

Rising Star of the Year                                                   

Carol Bartels

Chief Nurse’s Award  

 Julie Downer