BWC Spirit Awards

Chris Bird and Francis Dutton - Sparkbrook Children's Zone, Consultant Paediatrician & GP

Dr Chris Bird and Dr Francis Dutton were nominated for their vision, passion and dedication in creating and developing Sparkbrook Children’s Zone (SCZ). Since 2021, they have worked tirelessly to tackle health inequalities affecting children, young people and families in Sparkbrook, Sparkhill and Balsall Heath.

Working closely with community partners, local services and the University of Birmingham, they co-produced an innovative community-based model integrating health, social care, prevention and family support in one of Birmingham’s most deprived areas.

Their leadership has enabled almost 4,000 children and young people to be seen through SCZ, with 898 families benefiting from Early Help and wider support services. Delivery through schools, parks, faith settings and community venues has improved access to care while strengthening multi-agency collaboration.

Importantly, their work has informed NHS England guidance, demonstrated improved outcomes and cost savings, and created a sustainable model now being embedded within Birmingham Children’s Hospital services, leaving a lasting legacy for local families.

Senior Community Family Support Workers

Senior Community Family Support Workers, Bev Stocker, Ashton Dempster-Jones, Alison O'Driscoll and Mariam Bi were nominated for their unwavering support to vulnerable families.

Established in 2023, the team created and developed a pioneering service supporting families facing complex challenges, including domestic abuse, poor mental health, homelessness, deprivation, substance misuse, asylum seeking, disability and social care involvement. Through advocacy, wellbeing support, parenting education, practical assistance and partnership working, they've improved engagement with maternity services and helped reduce health inequalities.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination, they have secured funding for essential baby-item storage and HOPE memory boxes for mothers whose babies may be separated from them after birth, ensuring dignified, person-centred support during incredibly difficult times.

Their impact is evidenced by 100% positive service-user feedback, improved family engagement, stronger multi-agency working and reduced pressure on community midwives. This exceptional team consistently strive to support vulnerable families under their care.

Aspire/Widening Participation Team - Universal Family Programme

Our Universal Family Programme is transforming the lives of care-experienced young people by providing structured pathways into employment, education, training and apprenticeships. Recognising the significant barriers care leavers face including unemployment, poor wellbeing, housing instability and limited support networks, the programme offers mentoring, coaching and practical opportunities within healthcare and partner organisations.

Since 2022, it has engaged with 259 care leavers, with 121 progressing into employment, apprenticeships, training, placements or career development opportunities. As a Care Leavers Covenant signatory, BWC works closely with local authorities, employers and third-sector partners to create sustainable opportunities and improve long-term outcomes.

The programme increases confidence, independence and wellbeing, while helping participants build meaningful careers. It also strengthens workforce diversity, challenges misconceptions and develops a culturally representative talent pool. Recognised nationally by NHS England, the Universal Family Programme is a powerful example of inclusive workforce innovation, delivering lasting social impact for individuals, organisations and communities.

Facilities Department, BWC

Our Facilities Department has created a culture where diversity is genuinely lived every day. Colleagues are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, knowing they will be respected, valued and included regardless of faith, culture, disability or background.

The team demonstrates ambition through education and understanding, delivering awareness sessions around major religious festivals and creating opportunities for colleagues to learn from one another. Their commitment to inclusion is evident in the support provided for deaf colleagues and applicants, including a non-verbal communication booklet and professional sign language interpreters during interviews, ensuring equal opportunities and removing barriers to employment.

The department is brave in creating meaningful conversations that bring people together. Celebrations such as Eid, Diwali, Easter, Christmas and VE Day foster understanding, respect and belonging across the workforce.
Above all, the department is compassionate. Through everyday acts of kindness, support and recognition, they have created a workplace where differences are celebrated, wellbeing is strengthened and everyone feels they truly belong.

Paige Lindup - Newborn Screening Lead

Paige was nominated for her outstanding work to reduce health inequalities in antenatal and newborn screening.

Following a comprehensive audit, Paige identified disparities in access to booking blood tests by 10 weeks’ gestation, particularly among minority ethnic communities and women living in deprived areas. She transformed these findings into a sustainable improvement programme, introducing a live performance dashboard, Early Bird Clinics and securing funding for more flexible appointments to improve access.

Paige has also enhanced communication through multilingual and easy-read resources, QR codes, and close collaboration with community groups, Birmingham City Council and Maternity Voices Partnerships to co-design solutions informed by lived experience.

Her work has created a data-driven approach to improving early engagement in pregnancy and outcomes for women and babies. Paige has bravely challenged assumptions, championed equity, and ensured services are accessible, respectful and inclusive. Her innovative and transferable approach is making a meaningful difference to the communities under our care.

Sasha Hamilton, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Midwife

Since starting her secondment as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Midwife earlier this year, Sasha Hamilton has already made a significant impact through her kindness, empathy and determination to create positive change.
Sasha has revitalised the Maternity Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion Forum, creating a safe and supportive space where staff can share ideas, challenges and aspirations for a more inclusive workplace. She actively engages with colleagues, women, birthing people and families, listening to their experiences and ensuring their voices help shape service improvements.

In a short time, she has launched an EDI Hub on the Maternity Padlet, providing thought-provoking resources, learning opportunities and a platform for meaningful discussion. She is also developing quality improvement projects to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into maternity care and has begun building partnerships with EDI leads across other trusts and community groups.

Sasha’s empathy and collaborative approach is already creating lasting change, helping to build a more inclusive, respectful and responsive maternity service for staff and families alike.

Haemoglobinopathy Team

A family has shared their heartfelt nomination for the Haemoglobinopathy Unit at our Children’s Hospital after their daughter, Nimrah, has received 16 years of dedicated and compassionate specialist care.

Dad, Haq, has thanked the team of healthcare professionals for the exceptional support and expertise they have shown the teenager who was diagnosed with thalassaemia.

He said: “We are so grateful for the kindness and expertise they have shown us throughout the years. They are a credit to the NHS and we feel very lucky to have been under their care.”

Haq said the care provided by our Children’s Hospital extended far beyond medical treatment, offering reassurance and support during some of the most challenging moments.

Reflecting on the day Nimrah was diagnosed with thalassaemia, he recalled the concerns felt by his wife and mother, who were devastated by the news that their daughter and granddaughter had a lifelong condition. However, he says the team immediately gave them confidence and hope.

“I told my family that they are in the best possible place in the world and to be grateful that we are in the best country and the country’s best children’s hospital,” he recalled.

“Throughout her journey, the professionalism, expertise and compassion shown by the doctors, nurses and support staff have been a source of great comfort. They have played a vital role in Nimrah’s life and helped her become the young woman she is today.”

Dr Caroline Fox and Dr Vicky Hodgetts Morton

Amy has highlighted Dr Caroline Fox and Dr Vicky Hodgetts Morton for their life-saving actions when it was discovered there were complications in her partner Harriet’s pregnancy. During a routine 28-week appointment, doctors discovered their unborn baby’s heart rate had risen above 240 beats per minute and that hydrops, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, was developing.

Recognising the severity of the situation, Dr Caroline Fox returned to work and saw Harriet immediately, carrying out a scan and offering reassurance to the couple. 

“Caroline made us feel like we were the only patients in the hospital. She opened the Fetal Medicine department for us, carried out a thorough scan, offered genuine kindness and reassurance,” said Amy.

The baby was diagnosed with an abnormal heart rhythm called Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), but thanks to Dr Fox’s expertise and treatment plan, the hydrops gradually resolved and the baby’s heart rate began to stabilise.

The family also came under the care of consultant Vicky Hodgetts-Morton, who became a reassuring presence, guiding them through potential birth scenarios and preparing them for the likelihood of an early delivery.

At 30 weeks and five days, Harriet’s waters broke, leading to a category 1 emergency caesarean section and Vicky was there to lead the delivery.

“Vicky and Caroline have saved both my son’s life and my partner’s life,” added Amy.

"They have given us the greatest gift imaginable and made all of our dreams come true. We longed for a family for so long, and now we have it because of them.”

Dr Sami Saba and The Rainbow Clinic

Grateful mum Eve has nominated consultant Sami Saba and our Rainbow Clinic Team for recognition after the outstanding care, compassion and expertise she provided throughout a pregnancy that followed the devastating loss of her firstborn son, Laith.

For Eve, the prospect of becoming pregnant again brought a complex mix of hope, fear and anxiety. And when she was expecting her second child, every appointment, scan and milestone was emotional, making compassionate and specialist care more important than ever.

“From the very start, Sami treated me not just as a patient, but as a mother carrying both grief and hope,” said Eve.

Throughout the pregnancy, the team provided a level of care that combined exceptional clinical care with genuine empathy. The family said staff consistently took the time to listen, explain and reassure, ensuring every concern was addressed with compassion and professionalism.

“Thanks to Sami, I was able to safely bring my son Kiyaan home.

“The impact she has had on my life and my family cannot be measured. She did not simply provide medical care; she restored hope, built trust and helped heal a heart carrying profound grief.

“She is an extraordinary consultant and an incredible example of what NHS care should be. I will forever be grateful for the role she played in helping bring my rainbow baby safely home.”

Clinical Genetics Pre-Natal Team

Our Clinical Genetics Prenatal Team is a small but exceptional service comprising two permanent genetic counsellors, rotating counsellors, an on-call consultant, genomics associates and dedicated administrative support. Despite having a maximum of five team members available each week, they expertly manage more than 90 active pregnancies at any one time.

Over recent years, our team has demonstrated remarkable commitment and dedication by transforming from an area-based model into a specialist core team, providing faster, more consistent care for families. This required developing new ways of working, mastering new technologies and rapidly acquiring specialist skills to safely manage complex, shared caseloads.

This year alone, it has successfully navigated unprecedented referral volumes, increasingly complex pregnancies, leadership transitions, staffing changes and significant service redesigns, all while maintaining outstanding patient care.

Their empathy, flexibility and resilience are exceptional. Colleagues consistently support one another, prioritising patients at every step. The contribution of the genomics associates and administrative team has also been invaluable to the service’s success.

Extracorporeal Life Support Team

Our Children’s Hospital (BCH) Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) Team delivers exceptional, life-saving care to critically ill babies and children across the region. Caring for 20 – 35 patients annually. The service is supported by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of PICU nurses, consultants, perfusionists, surgeons, physiotherapists and allied professionals.

BCH is among the top 10 per cent of ECLS centres worldwide by patient volume, with outstanding outcomes. Over the past decade, 66 per cent of ECLS patients have survived to hospital discharge, compared with the global average of 53 per cent.
The team are truly committed, often providing care outside normal working hours to ensure children and families receive compassionate, expert support during the most challenging circumstances.

A recent achievement was the successful discharge of a child following the UK’s longest-ever paediatric ECLS run of 113 days — an extraordinary accomplishment demonstrating exceptional teamwork and dedication.

Under Dr Dave Ellis’s leadership, 227 patients have benefited from outstanding clinical care, education and governance, with our Children's also delivering nationally recognised ECLS training courses three times a year.

Paediatric Neurovascular Team and Mr Pasquale Gallo

Since joining our Children’s Hospital five years ago, Mr Pasquale Gallo and the Paediatric Neurovascular Team have transformed care for children with Moyamoya disease by establishing Neurovascular Neurosurgery as a formal subspecialty and creating a pioneering Revascularisation Programme.

Previously, families faced fragmented care and lengthy travel to specialist centres in London or Manchester. The team now delivers world-class treatment locally, improving both experience and access to care.

The clinical impact has been remarkable. Moyamoya disease can cause recurrent strokes and significant disability, yet since the programme began, no child treated through the service has experienced a recurrent stroke following revascularisation surgery.
Despite no initial additional resources, our team has continually refined pathways, reducing anticoagulation requirements and shortening hospital stays. Their success is built on outstanding multidisciplinary collaboration across Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuro-anaesthesia, Neuroradiology and Haematology.

Through innovation and dedication, the team has fundamentally changed outcomes and life trajectories for some of the region’s most vulnerable children.

Catering Team, Children's Hospital - Research study on the planetary impact of patient menus

Our Children’s Hospital Catering Team, Catering Dietitian and Dietetic Assistant were nominated for their meaningful contribution to an innovative research study delivered with Sodexo, BWC Vital Services, the Mandala Consortium and the University of Cambridge.

In November 2024, the team supported research exploring how the environmental impact of patient menus could be reduced without compromising nutrition, food standards or patient experience. Working across Catering, Dietetics and Patient Experience, they delivered six rounds of recipe changes, reviewing, testing and adapting 33 patient dishes. Every change was assessed for taste, appearance, quality and compliance with national nutritional standards before implementation.

To preserve the integrity of the study, approved changes were introduced without informing patients or staff, ensuring unbiased results. The first round alone saved approximately 150kg of animal-based produce, while patient experience remained stable and well above the national average.

Their work demonstrates how research can deliver practical, sustainable improvements in healthcare and generate evidence to support future NHS food strategies, while keeping patients at the centre of every decision.

Emergency Department and Clinical Decisions Unit Single Queue Improvement Project Team

Our multidisciplinary Emergency Department/Clinical Decisions Unit (ED/CDU) Single Queue Improvement Project Team, together with the wider ED and CDU medical and nursing teams, were nominated for their outstanding work improving urgent care pathways for patients and families.

Bringing together clinical, operational, nursing and improvement expertise, the team began work in Summer 2025 to address longstanding delays, particularly for GP-referred patients. Through strong collaboration and shared leadership, they developed and delivered an ambitious four-week Single Queue pilot in March 2026 involving approximately 5,000 patients across walk-in, ambulance and GP-referred pathways.

The pilot achieved faster senior assessment and decision-making, improved patient flow, enhanced visibility of patients, better use of CDU capacity and stronger collaboration between ED and General Paediatrics. Most importantly, it delivered an average reduction of 18 minutes per patient across the urgent care floor — equating to around 1,500 hours saved for patients and staff. As well as an 11-minute average reduction within ED, with no increase in complaints or incidents. The team is now using data and feedback to drive the next phase of improvement.

Nicola Round - Transition from Partner to Open Visiting

Nicola Round was nominated by a colleague for demonstrating outstanding leadership in delivering the transition from partner visiting to open visiting on their Maternity Ward.

Nicola demonstrated her commitment and dedication throughout this significant service improvement. She undertook extensive research into visiting arrangements and best practice across other hospitals, carefully evaluating different models to develop an approach that best met the needs of women and families.

She led a major cultural and operational change, actively engaging staff, listening to concerns, gathering feedback and ensuring colleagues felt supported throughout the process. She carefully balanced the needs of women, families and staff while maintaining safety and security.

Recognising the vital role partners play in supporting women, Nicola secured charitable funding for bedside recliner chairs and supported the development of dedicated partner toilet facilities. As a result, women receive greater emotional support, partners are more involved in care and decision-making and families can spend valuable time together. Nicola’s leadership has delivered a lasting, family-centred improvement to Maternity Services.

Anita Haslewood, Band 6 Antenatal Clinic Midwife

Anita "is the heart of our Antenatal Clinic", providing unwavering support to both colleagues and families. She has an extraordinary ability to recognise when someone is struggling and steps in with kindness, practical help and unwavering advocacy. Colleagues describe feeling reassured simply by her presence, knowing that no matter how challenging the day, Anita will help find a way through.
She consistently goes beyond her role, supporting staff through personal crises, working extra hours, changing shifts to help colleagues with caring responsibilities and quietly taking on additional tasks to ease pressure during busy clinics. One colleague recalls Anita arranging support, liaising with management and maintaining regular contact throughout a family emergency, then advocating for them on their return to work.

Anita also makes a profound difference to women experiencing anxiety and mental health challenges during pregnancy. She has attended elective and emergency Caesarean births in her own time to provide continuity and reassurance, helping families feel safe during some of their most vulnerable moments. Through her compassion, courage and dedication, Anita has transformed the culture of the clinic and embodies the very best of the Trust’s values.

Lisa Perret, Family Support Worker, Ward 7

Lisa consistently goes the extra mile for patients, families and staff on Ward 7. She tirelessly coordinates support across social care, education, transport, housing, visa services and interpreters, overcoming barriers and advocating for families at every opportunity. A reassuring presence, she's committed to resolving issues, attends multidisciplinary meetings to provide valuable insight and continuity and takes responsibility for following up actions, reducing pressure on clinical teams.
Beyond her role, Lisa willingly supports ward operations by helping with housekeeping, restocking, cleaning and meal services when needed. She also works hard to make special occasions memorable, organising gifts and celebrations for patients and staff despite limited resources.

Families describe Lisa as a “gem” and “one in a million". One family, who spent more than 22 months on Ward 7, credited her with supporting them through meetings, arranging care and creating a special birthday celebration following their son’s life-changing surgery. Frequently praised in feedback, Lisa’s empathy, dedication and resourcefulness make her an indispensable and much-loved member of our team.

Ozlem Yilmaz, Dietetic Assistant

Ozlem demonstrated exceptional compassion, professionalism and dedication when she stepped in at very short notice to support a family attending a clinic appointment regarding a pregnancy potentially affected by a rare mitochondrial disorder. Due to unforeseen circumstances, an interpreter was unavailable and with little notice, Ozlem agreed to assist with translation during an extremely sensitive consultation.

The family had previously experienced the devastating loss of multiple children to this rare condition, making the discussion particularly emotional and difficult. Despite the personal challenge of conveying such distressing news, Ozlem approached the situation with empathy, sensitivity and professionalism, ensuring the family could fully understand the information being shared and feel supported throughout.

This was a selfless act that took time out of her already busy working day and required significant emotional resilience. Her willingness to help at the last minute enabled the consultation to proceed without delay and provided invaluable support to both the family and clinical team. Although this act may have gone largely unseen, its impact was profound, making Ozlem truly deserving of recognition.

Liam Davis - Former patient and hairdressing services

Liam was nominated in recognition of the dedicated service he provides as a volunteer hairdresser at our Children’s Hospital (BCH). What makes Liam’s contribution particularly special is that he was once a cardiac patient at BCH himself.

While providing haircuts, Liam openly shares his own experiences of treatment and recovery, helping reassure children and reduce the fears and anxieties of families facing similar journeys. His empathy and understanding come from lived experience, making his support both genuine and impactful.

Liam is also committed to sharing his story at the Patient Experience Committee, where it was extremely well received. In addition, he presented at a transition meeting, helping staff and patients learn from his experiences of moving from paediatric to adult cardiac services.

His passion, enthusiasm and gratitude to BCH shine through in everything he does, making him truly worthy of this recognition.

Aimee Morley - Radio Lollipop

Aimee was nominated in recognition of the outstanding difference she makes to patients, families and staff through her volunteering and work with Radio Lollipop.

Aimee is always friendly, kind and approachable. She spends time with each patient, organising activities, playing with children and tailoring her approach to their age and developmental needs. These moments of fun and distraction bring joy to children during challenging hospital stays and provide valuable respite for parents.

Aimee is committed to supporting families and staff, regularly making drinks to ensure everyone stays hydrated. She is thoughtful and caring, often checking on staff wellbeing and bringing sweet treats to brighten difficult shifts.

Nothing is ever too much trouble for Aimee. Her cheerful personality, empathy and willingness to help bring comfort and positivity to the ward, making her a truly special and highly valued volunteer.

Onyinye Ezike, Supporting our MyChart App 

Onyinye has been nominated in recognition of her outstanding commitment, dedication and positive impact on patients and families.
Since joining our Children's team in May 2025, Onyinye has supported the launch of the MyChart patient app, becoming one of the first volunteers in this role and enthusiastically completing all relevant training. Her sensitive approach is exemplified by her support of a mother who had struggled for days to register for MyChart. Onyinye patiently guided her through the process until she felt confident, leaving the parent relieved and grateful.

Onyinye has also supported wayfinding following the closure of the main entrance, helping visitors navigate the hospital during a challenging period. In addition, she regularly volunteers at hospital events, from supporting the launch of MediCinema to delivering gifts to wards.

Alongside studying for a Master’s degree, Onyinye consistently demonstrates warmth, initiative and dedication. She approaches every interaction with kindness and a smile, making a lasting difference to patient experience.