BWC Spirit Awards

Sheryllin McNeil, Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Mental Health Services, is highlighted for her leadership in the Specialist Eating Disorder Service. She embodies the Trust’s values of Ambition, Bravery, and Compassion through her commitment to innovation, research, and education. Sheryllin spearheaded a research project with the University of Warwick on eating disorder treatment access for minority groups, with findings accepted for presentation at the International Youth Mental Health Conference in Vancouver, March 2025. Her approach encourages a learning culture, ensuring her team is equipped with cutting-edge skills to deliver evidence-based care. She seeks innovative training opportunities, enhancing professional development. Sheryllin is compassionate, recognising and supporting staff during challenges, creating a unified and resilient team. Her ability to empower colleagues while maintaining a focus on patient care makes her a reliable presence and continually improves and encourages a supportive environment.

Mary O'Driscoll, Consultant Clinical Geneticist and Clinical Service Lead at the Women's Hospital, has provided unwavering leadership in Clinical Genetics over the past seven years. She has adeptly guided her team through turbulent times, including the global pandemic, the introduction of Genomic Laboratory Hubs, the Central and South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) testing, and the National Genomic Test Directory. Despite these systemic challenges, Mary maintains a person-centred approach, ensuring every individual feels valued. Her uplifting presence and commitment to personal development inspire staff, fostering innovation and new genomic services. She supports national education initiatives to enhance patient access to genomic care. On a personal level, Mary’s compassion shone during a colleague’s personal challenges, providing exemplary support that restored confidence. When unexpectedly resuming leadership, she demonstrated bravery, prioritising team stability despite personal sacrifice. Her ambition drives service excellence while respecting individual circumstances, cultivating a compassionate, innovative culture. Mary embodies the Trust’s values—ambitious, brave, and compassionate—making her a truly exceptional leader deserving of recognition.

Michelle Wakelin, Ward Manager and Cardiac Educator at the Children’s Hospital, has been recognised for her transformative leadership on Ward 12. When she took over as interim manager, the ward was suffering from low staff morale, poor support, and disorganisation. Michelle swiftly changed this by implementing regular Wednesday huddles, actively seeking and acting on staff feedback through the QI board, and fostering open communication. Her efforts significantly improved staff morale, infection control, and ward organisation, creating a cleaner, more efficient environment. Known for her accessibility, Michelle is always available, addressing staff concerns with compassion and understanding. She accommodates work-life balance needs, enhancing retention, with many staff attributing their continued service to her support. She strives for continuous improvement while bravely tackling a challenging ward environment; her compassionate leadership style creates a supportive culture. Michelle’s dedication has revitalised Ward 12, making it a place where staff feel valued and patients receive quality care.

Emma Sang and the Simulation Team at the Children’s Hospital were nominated for their exceptional commitment to innovative training. Under Emma’s leadership, the team has developed a comprehensive simulation programme across the Children’s, Women’s and  Parkview Clinic, addressing diverse needs from procedure-specific training to mental health support and community initiatives like knife crime prevention. Supported by charity funding, Emma’s ambitious vision ensures staff receive cutting-edge training to enhance patient care. Her bravery shines in adapting schedules to meet urgent demands and creatively crafting props, like intestines, to enrich learning. Emma’s compassion is evident in her constant availability, supportive demeanour, and ability to uplift colleagues with her positivity. The team’s engagement with donors, demonstrating equipment at events like Behind the Scenes, strengthens charity partnerships. Emma’s tireless dedication and collaborative leadership ensures the Simulation Team have a lasting impact on staff skills and patient outcomes.

Sue Burlton, PICU / QI Sister at the Children’s Hospital, was nominated for her role in the Help A Heart Appeal’s cardiac arrest prevention project. As CAP QI Nurse, she achieved a 40% reduction in PICU cardiac arrests by assessing procedures, implementing new measures, and educating staff, ensuring better outcomes and quality of life for critically ill children. Her leadership made the Children’s Hospital the first UK hospital to trial this US-inspired initiative, influencing national adoption. Despite a terminal illness, Sue’s bravery was evident in reviewing procedures, securing leadership support, and training colleagues, all while maintaining compassion for patients and families, as demonstrated by her caring approach. She supported charity stakeholders by sharing the project’s success, including patient case studies and a video. Sue’s dedication, even amidst personal health challenges, embodies the Trust’s values—ambition, bravery, and compassion. Her legacy of improved care, staff empowerment, and patient-focused outcomes will be long-lasting.

Yifan Liang and the Paediatric Palliative Care Team at the Children’s Hospital are nominated for their impact on paediatric palliative care. With only two regional consultants, Yifan addressed the specialist shortage by securing Royal College approval for the Children’s as a Special Interest training centre. She launched an innovative Paediatric Palliative Care Fellowship Programme, supported by Molly Olly’s and the Trust’s charity, training two consultants in a two-year pilot, significantly enhancing regional capacity. Her ambitious vision drives systemic improvements, ensuring world-class care. The team’s bravery shines in delivering compassionate, holistic support to critically ill children and families across hospitals, homes, and hospices, meeting complex needs with empathy. Yifan’s leadership fosters a dedicated team committed to both patient care and professional development. By expanding access to specialised care and training future experts, their innovative programme and tireless service have had an impact in the West Midlands.

Elizabeth Ewers, Bereavement Midwife at the Women’s Hospital, was nominated for her outstanding care following a family’s stillbirth. Her compassionate, caring approach ensured the family’s comfort during their two days with their son, facilitating cherished memories. Liz’s ambition to deliver exceptional bereavement care shone through her unwavering support, arranging mental health care and personally attending medical appointments during the mother’s subsequent pregnancy, far exceeding typical duties. Navigating emotionally intense situations, her empathetic presence built trust, making the family feel supported during their darkest times. Liz’s dedication transformed a traumatic experience into one of healing and connection, fostering resilience and her impact is reflected in the family naming their daughter after her, honouring her role in their journey to parenthood. Liz’s outstanding bereavement support and commitment to holistic care highlight her quality of care for families facing loss.

Tshepo Samuel Mokgosi, Senior Mental Health Practitioner at Finch Road Primary Care Centre, was nominated for his exceptional, compassionate care, earning the May 2025 Daisy award. Operating in a high-crime area, he manages a challenging community caseload, conducting home visits via bus to ensure access for patients unable to visit the base. His calm, composed demeanour shines in duty calls, such as tirelessly supporting an autistic patient after a cancelled appointment, rebooking it promptly through persistent follow-up, even on non-duty days. Tshepo’s strives to ensure timely, high-quality care, often staying late to arrange support, without complaint. He undertakes complex, distressing cases and his compassionate manner uplifts both patients and colleagues, fostering a supportive environment. He is dedicated to patient wellbeing and team morale whilst under pressure.

Beth Matthews, Staff Nurse on Ward 18 at the Children’s Hospital, was nominated for her outstanding care of three-year-old Jessie, diagnosed with ALL Leukaemia in 2024. Beth’s compassionate approach, holding Jessie’s hand during chemotherapy and explaining treatments in a child-friendly way with toys and stories, eased fears and built trust. She provided exceptional care in supporting a family through a traumatic diagnosis. Beth’s playful encouragement, using games and rewards, helped Jessie overcome her refusal to drink, critical for treatment success, transforming hospital visits into positive experiences. Her consistent kindness, also mentioned fondly by other families, creates a supportive environment. Beth’s dedication to holistic, patient-centred care is reflected in her impact on Jessie’s treatment journey and family wellbeing, making a frightening experience more manageable.

 

 

Dr Dave Hobin, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist was nominated as he approaches retirement following his many years at the Children’s Hospital since 2003. His ambitious leadership drove the creation of the Teenage Cancer Trust unit, the tranquil Magnolia House, and the flagship Waterfall House, enhancing patient experiences. His IT prowess improved chemotherapy prescribing software, the consultant rota, and the Epic rollout as Medical EPIC lead. Dave’s compassionate contributions include co-producing BCH’s annual Christmas show and advent calendar, uplifting staff morale. Nationally, he shaped teenage and young adult cancer care as a TYAC founding member and chair, addressing issues like fertility preservation. As a trustee and chair of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, he supports young cancer survivors, helping 671 in 2024. His bravery in tackling complex challenges and humility inspire colleagues. Dave’s legacy of innovation, patient-focused care, and positivity has had a lasting impact on oncology and staff wellbeing.

Dr Gemma Holder, Neonatal Consultant at the Women’s Hospital, was nominated for her exceptional contributions to neonatal care. As nutrition, therapeutics, and family-integrated care lead, she champions breast milk use and evidence-based nutritional strategies, significantly improving outcomes for countless babies. Her national leadership in milk banking extends her impact beyond the hospital. Gemma’s compassionate introduction of a 3D hand and foot moulding service for palliative care provides grieving families with cherished, tangible memories, showcasing her holistic approach. As Epic Electronic Patient Record lead, she navigated the complex transition from BadgerNet with remarkable calmness, delivering training, troubleshooting, and constant support, ensuring the multidisciplinary team felt included. Her ambition drives clinical and systemic excellence, she tackles demanding projects, and her compassion uplifts colleagues and families. Gemma’s innovative leadership and tireless dedication has had great impact on neonatal care, staff development, and family support during the most vulnerable moments.

Melanie Dunn, Ward Manager at Heathlands, Parkview Clinic, was nominated for her exceptional, compassionate leadership in mental health services. During a colleague’s challenging personal period, Melanie adjusted shifts and annual leave to accommodate family needs, ensuring they could return to work fully focused. Despite the intense pressures of ward management, she consistently listens to staff, addressing both professional and personal difficulties with empathy and understanding. This creates a supportive environment that boosts team morale, enhances productivity, and elevates patient care quality. Melanie’s ambition drives her to maintain high standards, her bravery navigates complex managerial demands, and her compassion ensures every staff member feels valued and heard. Her leadership fosters a positive workplace culture, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

 

The Porters Department at the Trust was nominated for their outstanding teamwork and dedication to efficient patient transport across all sites. Their collaborative efforts with nursing staff ensure seamless operations, contributing to a positive patient experience. The team’s ambition is evident in their proactive approach, willingly taking on additional tasks to enhance hospital efficiency and support colleagues across departments. They step up during high-pressure situations, ensuring no task is too big or small. With a compassionate focus on putting patients first, they prioritise care quality in every interaction. Effective communication ensured clear information flow, strengthening interdepartmental collaboration and trust. The Porters Department is unwavering in their commitment to the hospital’s mission on patient care and their role in maintaining a positive environment. They are a reliable, service making them a vital part underpinning all services.

The Taurus Programme and Helpdesk Teams at the Trust were nominated for their outstanding leadership and Helpdesk support during the Epic Electronic Patient Record rollout. Their compassionate leadership fostered an open, supportive environment, actively listening to staff concerns and balancing personal wellbeing with operational priorities. Their approach ensured patient care remained at the heart of every decision, advocating for both patients and staff across all sites. The Helpdesk, formed at short notice, comprised of diverse members, some external and unfamiliar with the system or helpdesk operations. Their ambition shone through rapid skill development, enabling them to deliver an efficient, friendly, and effective help desk. Bravely stepping outside their comfort zones, they embraced challenges with a collaborative, can-do attitude. The team’s bravery was evident in navigating the complex challenges of a major technological transition, providing clear guidance and support to colleagues. They prioritised staff development, offering mentorship and learning opportunities that built confidence and skills within the Taurus and ASAP teams. By creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and empowerment, they enhanced service delivery for a positive outcome.

The Temporary Staffing Team at Trust was nominated for their exceptional achievement of eliminating nursing agency workers above the price cap by March 2025, ahead of the national deadline. Through strategic negotiation, persuasive skills, and respectful collaboration with suppliers, they met stringent national, regional, and local objectives. Their ambitious approach not only reduced costs but also ensured continuity of care by successfully transitioning agency staff to the Trust’s bank staff, enhancing workforce stability. The team’s bravery was evident in tackling complex negotiations and tight deadlines, demonstrating resilience and determination. Their compassionate approach maintained respectful partnerships, fostering trust with suppliers and staff. This achievement supports the Trust’s goals for 2025/26, improving financial efficiency and patient care quality. By aligning their efforts with the Trust’s values—ambition, bravery, and compassion—the Temporary Staffing Team has made a lasting impact on workforce management and care delivery.

 

Muhammad Asad, Patient Information and Experience Coordinator at the Children’s Hospital, is recognised for his remarkable impact since joining as a student in 2024. Initially supporting the EnjoyArt Team, he efficiently organised finances, administration, and projects, preparing for a seamless handover. In his permanent role since January 2025, Asad ambitiously tackled a backlog of patient information leaflets, ensuring accuracy and compliance for future audits. He quickly mastered health literacy, advising staff on creating accessible resources, and managed One Stop Advice Newsletters. His bravery shone in leading the MyChart launch, handling the helpdesk, spotting issues, and ensuring smooth implementation. Asad’s compassionate, calm demeanour supports colleagues, patients, and external partners, fostering trust with his attention to detail. His rapid rise from student to go-to expert reflects the Trust’s values—ambition, bravery, and compassion. Asad’s contribution to patient information, experience, and system implementation showcases his potential for a future in healthcare.

Isu Samasa, Housekeeper at the Women’s Hospital since June 2023, has been recognised for his determined contribution to the Trust despite his hearing impairment. His ambition is evident in mastering cleaning tasks across NICU, Cytogenetics, and other areas, ensuring every space is pristine. Isu’s bravery shines in overcoming communication barriers through gestures and persistence, notably when he insisted on cleaning a hazardous spill in the ground corridor to ensure safety for pregnant women and staff, even staying beyond his shift. His compassionate approach, seen in deep-cleaning during a NICU outbreak and comforting mothers with smiles, uplifts everyone. Enrolled in Walsall College’s Skills for Independence programme, Isu enhances his skills in English, maths, and digital literacy to develop his skills. His warm, inclusive presence fosters a supportive workplace, earning praise from colleagues. Isu’s dedication, resilience, and care embody the Trust’s values in promoting an inclusive workplace culture.

Zara Bailey-Maxwell, Senior Mental Health Practitioner within Mental Health Services stands out for her exceptional work as MHST Patient Experience Champion since early 2025. She has driven a remarkable 2000% increase in Friends and Family Test (FFT) feedback, revolutionising how the Mental Health Support Team collects and utilises service user input to enhance care. Zara’s ambitious vision includes establishing a co-production team to further integrate patient voices into service development. Her bravery in initiating significant changes within a short timeframe and her compassionate, positive approach inspire colleagues, fostering a culture of engagement and improvement. By prioritising patient-centred care, Zara ensures feedback drives meaningful change, enhancing mental health services. Her proactive, productive leadership and dedication to team and patient wellbeing reflect the Trust’s values—ambition, bravery, and compassion, whilst helping to transform patient experience and service delivery.

Uchechi Onwuyirimadu, Volunteer within the Fertility Centre, was nominated for her commitment to the team since joining six months ago. She has dedicated 144 hours across three roles, including supporting the MyChart volunteer role, demonstrating her commitment to support despite reducing to one day a week. Uchechi eagerly tackles new challenges, from administrative tasks to patient-facing support, enhancing the centre’s operations. Her compassionate, bubbly personality engages with staff and patients, bringing smiles and positivity to every interaction. Her enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile helps to improve the patient experience, creating a welcoming environment. Uchechi endeavours to uplift those around her whilst balancing diverse responsibilities with infectious positivity, showcasing her impact on the Fertility Centre and patient care.

Pamela Kendrick-Astle, Volunteer at the Children’s Hospital, was nominated for her exceptional contributions across multiple roles. Within a year, she has ambitiously taken on coordinating Radio Lollipop administratively and volunteering on Wards 12 and 15 as the senior Pets as Therapy (PAT) volunteer, where she also inducts new volunteers with shadow visits. Her compassionate approach shines in actions like creating a heartfelt video with her dog, Cooper, for a patient’s birthday when she couldn’t attend, uplifting the child’s spirits. Pam’s commitment is evident in supporting a therapy session for a patient with a dog phobia, helping them overcome fears. She is dedicated to enhancing patient and staff experiences, from administrative support to therapeutic visits, by creating a positive, welcoming environment, which impacts on patient care and the volunteer team.

Nita Guru, Chaplaincy Volunteer at the Trust, is recognised for her unwavering dedication. Despite holding a paid job at another hospital, Nita consistently supports chaplaincy events, staying until tasks are complete, and volunteers at significant events like the annual baby loss memorial. Her commitment ensures robust support for patients, families, and staff across both sites, enhancing their emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Nita’s compassionate presence during faith-based events, including Eid and other celebrations, fosters a comforting, inclusive environment. She balances demanding roles without expecting recognition. Over years of service, her selfless contributions have gone unrecognised, yet she continues to provide exceptional care. Nita’s dedication to creating meaningful connections highlights her impact on patient and staff experiences across the Trust.

 

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