At a glittering evening at Great Yarmouth Town Hall on Friday 2 October, the James Paget celebrated its staff at the annual ‘Paget’s People’ award ceremony.
Across 15 award categories, over 170 in attendance at the ceremony found out who had won an award, selected from hundreds of nominations that had been provided by patients and staff at the hospital.
The Paget’s People award ceremony was supported and delivered by the James Paget Hospital Charity, and the award categories were kindly sponsored by companies and patients that wished to show their recognition of the hospital and the hard work of staff.
This year’s Paget’s People Awards featured a range of categories, including longstanding awards such as Teams and Individuals of the Year, and the Gold Patient Choice award, sponsored by the Eastern Daily Press.
Commended for his outstanding surgical expertise, compassionate patient care, and unwavering dedication to supporting both patients and colleagues, Vamsi Velchuru won the Paget’s Person of the Year in the Clinical category, sponsored by Plumbase.
Karen Allen, who was described as a person who keeps clinics running smoothly, supports staff and families without hesitation, and builds lasting relationships with patients over many years, won Paget’s Person of the Year in the Non-Clinical category, also sponsored by Plumbase.
In the award highlighting the James Paget core value of ‘Respect’, Louise Sunar won the Respect award sponsored by Morgan Sindall, recognising the exceptional empathy and advocacy she demonstrates for both patients and colleagues, particularly those requiring additional support, inclusion, or neurodiversity-related adjustments.
The ‘Working Together’ award, sponsored by Haven Rotary 2, went to the Theatres Clinical Education Team, who were praised for their outstanding contribution to staff development, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the creation of a strong culture of learning within theatres and across the wider Trust.
The Team of the Year award in the Non-Clinical category went to the hospital’s Anaesthetics Admin Team, who were recognised not only for their professionalism and efficiency, but also for the exceptional kindness and personal support they provide to colleagues and patients alike.
In the Clinical category, the Team of the Year went to the Maternity Department, who were celebrated for their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to continuous improvement while delivering compassionate, high-quality care in an often challenging and unpredictable environment. Both Team awards were sponsored by Plumbase.
Joanne Keenan from the Theatres Team won the Sustainability and Innovation award, sponsored by Morgan Sindall, for her role in leading sustainability improvements within theatres through redesigned waste processes.
The ‘Rising Star’ award, also sponsored by Morgan Sindall, was won by Freya Russell, who was described as providing excellent care to patients, putting their needs at the heart of everything she does and supporting families through difficult decisions, while also looking at ways to continually improve the service she works in.
‘Volunteer of the Year’, sponsored by RG Carter, went to Keith Warner, who has been highlighted for his kindness, compassion, and willingness to spend time with patients, particularly those who may otherwise have few visitors, providing companionship, comfort, and a friendly face during difficult periods of hospital admission.
Laura Thacker won the ‘Change Leader’ award, sponsored by Darwin Group, for her dedication to supporting teams through change, improving patient safety, and creating a culture where staff feel empowered, listened to, and actively involved in quality improvement initiatives.
Phil Weihser won the ‘Outstanding Leadership’ award, sponsored by RG Carter, in recognition of being a leader who inspires confidence, empowers staff, and consistently puts both patient outcomes and staff wellbeing at the heart of every decision.
The EDP Gold Patient Choice award was won by Demi Hitcham, who was praised for her exceptional compassion and dignity in caring for patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care, providing reassurance, comfort and personalised support during the most difficult moments for patients and families.
The James Paget’s Governors’ Award, sponsored by Haven Rotary Club, went to the Clinical Support Assistants Team, recognising their work in consistently going above and beyond to ensure that patients receive seamless care, and enable our wards to function efficiently.
Jonathan Gardner, the James Paget’s Executive Managing Director, and Sally Collier, representing the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, presented the Managing Director and Group Chair’s Commendation Awards to reward staff that deserved recognition from entries received during the Paget’s People nomination process.
Jonathan Gardner presented their Commendation, which was sponsored by Darwin Group, to the Division of Medicines Operational Team, who have helped deliver key transformation projects within their Division, while managing the daily operational challenges of our busy hospital, with grace, efficiency and an unswerving focus on patient needs.
The Group Chair’s Commendation, sponsored by Haven Rotary 2, was awarded to Dr Stephen Nirmal and the Paediatric Epilepsy Team, recognising how the team often become the trusted source of guidance in the care of children with complex epilepsy and their families, and the testimony we received from parents highlight their commitment to provide the very best outcomes for children.
Karen Allen
Louise Sunar
Freya Russell
Joanne Keenan
Not pictured - Vamsi Velchuru and Keith Warner who were unable to attend the ceremony.