Inspiring individuals, dedicated teams and passionate volunteers from across Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) were recognised for their outstanding achievements at a glittering awards ceremony held on Thursday 1 October at the Athena in Leicester.
The annual Celebrating Excellence Awards – sponsored by Tilbury Douglas and facilitated by LPT’s registered charity Raising Health – brought together some of the Trust’s brightest stars to celebrate the remarkable contributions they have made over the last 12 months, shining a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to provide support and care for patients, service users, carers and their families across Leicestershire and Rutland.
The evening saw staff, teams and volunteers honoured for their extraordinary commitment to building compassionate care and wellbeing for all, following nominations from members of the public, patients and service-users, carers, volunteers and colleagues.
Angela Hillery, LPT chief executive, said: “Our staff and volunteers make a positive difference to people’s lives every single day. Their dedication, compassion and commitment to providing the highest quality care is something we are incredibly proud of. These awards are our opportunity to recognise and thank them for the outstanding contribution they make to the people who use our services, to our LPT family and to the NHS.”
Award winners, nominated across 14 categories, took to the stage to collect trophies recognising the impact they have made and the way they embody the Trust’s values of compassion, respect, integrity and trust.
In a rare awards-night achievement, one standout individual claimed not one but two awards, earning recognition in separate categories for their exceptional contribution and demonstrating the extraordinary impact a single person can have across the Trust.
The following awards were presented on the night:
Delivering Exceptional Care Award – presented to Lisa Armstong
Through her commitment to improving care for children with spinal cord injuries, Lisa identified a gap in existing provision and developed a bespoke physiotherapy pathway tailored to the needs of young patients with spinal diagnoses.
Designed from the ground up, the specialist pathway ensures children receive equitable, effective care that reflects best practice and aligns with leading tertiary services, helping to improve outcomes and experiences for patients and their families.
Excellence in Enabling Services Award – presented to Carolyn Willows
Carolyn made an outstanding contribution to the neurodevelopmental transformation project, leading the SystmOne workstream with expertise, commitment and a collaborative approach. Her responsiveness and problem-solving skills helped develop tools shaped directly by clinicians’ needs, supporting the successful delivery of the project.
Group Excellence Award – presented to The Quality, Compliance and Regulation team
The Quality, Compliance and Regulation teams at LPT and NHFT were recognised for their collaborative approach to inspection readiness, sharing expertise, resources and learning to drive improvement across both organisations. Their work contributed to several services achieving Good ratings and strengthened quality improvement across the Group.
Valuing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award – presented to Judy Eggett
Judy was recognised for her exceptional commitment to supporting colleagues who had experienced racism from patients in their care. With compassion, cultural understanding and a trauma-informed approach, she engaged directly with staff, helping them feel heard, valued and supported while rebuilding trust and confidence in accessing help. She has helped inform an improved supportive framework for staff across the Trust.
Excellence in Leadership Award – presented to Saskya Falope
Head of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals & Quality Saskya was recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. She consistently supports, mentors and coaches colleagues, creating a positive environment that enables staff to provide the best possible care for patients.
Highly respected by patients, families, colleagues and partner organisations, Saskya is known for her compassionate approach, dedication to her team and commitment to the values of LPT.
Rising Star Award – presented to Umaymah Dakri
Umaymah Dakri was recognised for the exceptional impact she has made early in her career, championing inclusion and helping to break down barriers within mental health services. Drawing on her lived experience as a wheelchair user, she has used her insight to build strong relationships with patients, helping them feel understood, empowered and heard.
A passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusive practice, Umaymah has shared her experiences across the Trust and beyond, inspiring colleagues, challenging perceptions and promoting positive change.
Making a Difference Together – Social Value Award – presented to the acquired brain injury (ABI) case management service
The ABI team was recognised for the specialist support they provide to people recovering from life-changing brain injuries. Working across health and social care services, the team coordinates complex rehabilitation pathways, helping patients access the care and support they need to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Excellence in Research Award – presented to the community integrated neurology and stroke service and acquired brain injury
The team was recognised for its commitment to research and innovation, helping to expand access to new treatment options for patients. Through the implementation of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (TVNS), they have enabled patients to take part in a pioneering study involving a treatment not routinely available within the NHS, becoming one of the highest-recruiting NHS organisations participating.
Excellence in Quality Improvement or Innovation Award – presented to Karen Pardoe
Karen was recognised for leading a data-driven initiative to reduce food waste across inpatient services. By introducing a comprehensive system to measure food production, plate and spoilage waste, she helped deliver a 34% reduction in overall food waste, with some sites achieving reductions of up to 79%.
Her innovative approach has improved sustainability, reduced waste and delivered measurable benefits across services.
Valuing our People – Champion of the Year Award – presented to Gemma Barfoot
As co-chair of the Women’s Staff Network, Gemma was recognised for her dedication to improving staff experience and fostering a more inclusive culture across LPT. Through her work, she has created supportive spaces where colleagues can share experiences, feel heard and build meaningful connections.
Her commitment to promoting confidence, belonging and wellbeing has had a positive impact on staff across the Trust, helping to strengthen an open and supportive workplace culture.
Team of the Year Award – presented to the Agnes Unit
The Agnes Unit Team was recognised for its commitment to delivering outstanding care and consistently putting patients and families at the centre of everything they do. Through strong teamwork, flexibility and a solution-focused approach, the team works collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for those using the service.
Feedback highlights excellent communication, strong relationships and consistent partnership working.
Excellence in Patient or Service User Involvement Award – presented to the child and adolescent mental health services/digital development team
The team was recognised for co-producing the LLR Young Carers Pack with young people and those with lived experience, helping improve the recognition and support of young carers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Their innovative approach has raised awareness across services and been recognised as an example of best practice in co-production and inclusive service design.
Volunteer of the Year Award – presented to Rachel Tasker
Rachel was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the accessibility project at the Leicestershire Recovery College. Through her insight and expertise, she has helped ensure resources, services and learning environments better meet the needs of neurodiverse learners, making a lasting impact on accessibility and inclusion.
Special Recognition – CEO/Chair Award – presented to Saskya Falope
Saskya was recognised for her exceptional leadership, passion and commitment to delivering the highest standards of care. A strong advocate for patients, families and colleagues, she works tirelessly to ensure people receive the best possible experience of care and support.