We have quarterly individual, volunteer and team winners of our People at our Heart Awards, along with one winner of our Employee of the Year, one winner of our Volunteer of the Year and one winner of our Team of the Year Award.
Annual People at our Heart Award winners announced
The outstanding contributions of staff and volunteers across Newcastle Hospitals were celebrated at the annual People at our Heart Awards event last week, with three exceptional winners chosen from a year of quarterly award recipients and volunteer nominees.
The People at our Heart Awards recognise staff and volunteers who make a real difference to patients, families, colleagues and communities. Nominations come from patients, relatives, members of the public and colleagues who want to express their thanks for the care, kindness and support they have received.
This year’s annual winners were:
- Individual Employee of the Year: Craig Graham, Security Officer, RVI
- Team of the Year: Clinical Coding Team
- Volunteer of the Year: Keith Jobling, Emergency Department Support Volunteer
The winners were selected from all of the quarterly winners and volunteer nominees recognised throughout 2025/26, highlighting the incredible dedication and compassion shown across the Trust every day.
Individual Employee of the Year: Craig Graham
Craig Graham was recognised for his professionalism, compassion and courage whilst playing a crucial role in supporting a distressed patient. Through calm communication, patience and reassurance, Craig helped safely de-escalate the situation, preventing tragedy and ensuring the patient received the care they needed.
His nomination also highlighted his consistent commitment to going above and beyond for patients, visitors and colleagues, demonstrating kindness, humility and professionalism in every interaction.
Accepting the award, Craig said:
“I’m honoured and shocked. Security isn’t a team that would usually get nominated because of what we do. This is for the whole team, not just me.”
Team of the Year: Clinical Coding Team
The Clinical Coding Team received the Team of the Year award for their commitment to inclusion and creating opportunities for others.
Working closely with autistic students from Choices College, the team has created a supportive environment that helps individuals build confidence, develop skills and secure meaningful employment. Their dedication has had a life-changing impact, with families describing significant improvements in happiness, independence and self-belief.
The team said: “It was really inspiring to hear about the contributions of the individuals, teams, and volunteers from across the Trust, and it made receiving the award feel even more special.”
Volunteer of the Year: Keith Jobling
Volunteer Keith Jobling was recognised for the kindness, reassurance and comfort he provides to patients and visitors in the Emergency Department.
Volunteering twice a week, Keith offers refreshments, conversation and a friendly face to people during what can often be some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Patients have described his small acts of kindness as making a tremendous difference during stressful and painful visits.
Speaking after receiving the award, Keith said:
“This wasn’t expected at all, and I don’t think it’s sunk in. The award says my name but it’s for all the unsung heroes who volunteer.”
The annual winners were selected from an inspiring group of quarterly award winners and volunteer nominees recognised throughout 2025/26.
Individual finalists included Elizabeth Rowen, Marie Kaplanis, Claire McClelland, Stephanie Graham, Bev Collinson, Jason Fergus and Carole Golden. Team finalists included the Clinical Technologist Team, Respiratory Support Team, Radiotherapy Team and the Clinical Coding Team.
Volunteer nominees included Lesley Finnigan, Anja Groenhaug, Judith Pearson, Katie Hierons, and Joe and Keven Haigh, alongside winner Keith Jobling.
The awards showcase the extraordinary people who make Newcastle Hospitals a special place to receive care and work, celebrating the everyday acts of compassion, teamwork and dedication that truly put people at the heart of everything we do.
For more information on the People at our Heart Awards, please email: [email protected]
Celebrating our quarter four winners
Congratulations to our People at Our Heart Awards winners for Quarter 4 2025/26 – recognising colleagues and teams who go above and beyond to support patients, each other and our wider Trust.
Individual winners Jason Fergus and Carole Golden have both made an outstanding difference through their dedication, innovation and commitment to continuous improvement. Jason has led significant cost-saving and sustainability improvements in his role as a healthcare assistant, while ward housekeeper Carole’s proactive support across teams has improved efficiency, working environments and patient care.
Our Clinical Coding Team has been recognised as team winner for their exceptional commitment to inclusion, creating a supportive environment where colleagues from Choices College have been able to grow, thrive and become valued members of the workforce. Their compassion and belief in others truly demonstrates the impact of an inclusive culture.
We also want to recognise our highly commended colleagues, including Linda Clarke for her tireless support to theatre teams, and the Mortuary Technicians team for their compassionate care and the meaningful difference they make for patients and families during the most difficult times.
Thank you to all our winners and nominees for the incredible contribution you make every day – truly putting our people at the heart of everything we do.
