The team behind University Hospitals of Liverpool Charity were awarded for making a substantial difference to the experience of our patients, their families and staff across Aintree, Broadgreen and the Royal.
The nomination highlighted some of the fantastic work that UHL Charity have been supporting, including the opening of Archie's Place, a sensory room at the Royal to improve the experience of care for patients with additional needs, and the development of Frances Centres in our hospitals – dedicated spaces designed to enhance the support we can provide patients with dementia.
Alongside supporting the public and donors with fundraising activities, the team also work closely with colleagues within wards and departments across our hospitals to assist them with charitable funding applications, which go toward improving patient care, funding vital research and purchasing equipment:
“I am nominating this team because they may not fully realise the significant impact their work has across the hospitals they serve. Despite being a small charity team within a large organisation, they consistently make a substantial difference.
“The team assist internal departments with charitable funding,all while managing our supporter’s activities that raise funds through various activities, including physical challenges, event volunteering, managing fundraising and support groups, or regular donations.
“They continue to build relationships with a range of donors - corporate, community and individuals, always ensuring that every donor feels valued - which in turn secures the future of the charity. If it wasn't for the passion and knowledge of the individuals in the team and the belief in the work that we do, the charity would not be able to support the work of the staff and users of this brilliant organisation.”
The judges praised the team, saying:
“A great team that work tirelessly to support patients, relatives and staff at UHLG. Their hard work and dedication have made a difference to so many patients, families and colleagues over the years - a huge thank you to you all, you are amazing!”
If you want to learn more about University Hospitals of Liverpool Charity, or how to get involved in fundraising, visit: https://www.uhliverpoolcharity.org/
The team were awarded for demonstrating excellent teamwork which has helped to make a real impact on patient experience at Aintree University Hospital.
Ward 25 opened in October 2024 as an escalation ward, which is designed to support the hospital when there is an increase of patients. Ward Manager, Abi, alongside the rest of the staff on Ward 25, were all transferred from other areas to start working on the newly formed ward.
The nomination shared that the ward’s success is thanks to the hard work of the team who were able to quickly and successfully navigate different ways of working, different experiences and skill sets.
“The team are happy and enthusiastic, and their patients are always extremely well looked after. Some of the staff who have been moved there temporarily now want to stay as a substantive member of staff.
“To achieve this on a 36-bedded escalation ward in this current climate is a huge success and is testament to Abi and her team for their commitment, care and compassion both to patients and each other.”
The judges praised the team, with comments such as:
“Fantastic achievements showcasing how teamwork and leadership can make a real impact to patient experience.”
5D were awarded for showing great compassion and adjusting their care to meet the relevant needs of a disabled patient during a difficult time for the patient and his family.
The nomination was submitted by the parent of the patient, who thanked staff on the ward for their support, making them feel safe, and exemplary care:
“My son was patient on Ward 5D at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital for five months. Due to his additional needs, we had to stay by his side, day and night. Everyone on the ward was so caring, thoughtful and approachable and treated our son as any other 20-year-old would be, rather than defining him by his disability.
“They have supported us through very difficult times and adjusted care to meet his needs without being asked. They have been so caring to us all. We found ourselves in circumstances that weren't normal, but they adapted to make a difficult situation as comfortable as possible for us.
“We were looked after like we were family and at the most horrendous time in our lives, the staff on the ward made us feel safe.”
The judges praised the team, with comments such as:
“What a beautiful and powerful nomination. The team clearly went above and beyond to support both the patient and his family. Despite the difficult time the family faced, they still took time to acknowledge that the team made them feel cared for - this is compassionate care at its best.”
The Acute Cardiac Unit was nominated by a patient’s family for their teamwork, professionalism and responsiveness which saved the patient’s life, and assisted in her recovery.
The family’s nomination included: “The team looking after mum following her cardiac arrest, were dedicated professionals. Everyone treated her and us with the utmost care and empathy, which greatly assisted my mum’s progress and our understanding of what had happened.
It was an extremely difficult time for mum and our family, and all the staff did their utmost to reassure us that our mum was receiving the best care possible and was in very safe hands. That support and dedication was priceless.
This team are truly amazing because of their unwavering dedication, compassion, and resilience. I truly can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me and my family.”
The judges said: “This powerful nomination highlights not only the skill and expertise of the team but also their care and compassion provided to both the patient and the wider family - well done to all concerned.”
The Ocular Oncology team was nominated by a patient who praises the service for their “efficiency, responsiveness, caring and compassionate nature and ability to share information with empathy and clarity, saving a patient’s eye and vision.”
The nomination explained: “Not only did the team save my eye and my vision, they’ve listened to my concerns (my mum died of, and my sister has multiple metastases untreatable) and responded with increased consideration for me and my family. This journey has reminded me how great the NHS can be and how many people wouldn’t be here without it.
“As a member of support groups nationally, I don’t hear anything that compares about other sites. This is truly a well led, seamless and safe service. Anxieties about issues are dealt with calmly and the containment and responsivity not only ensures no deterioration of physical or psychological complications, but rapid intervention.”
The judges said:
“An amazing nomination which highlights the expertise and professionalism of the team but also, their person-centred approach and compassionate care for the patient - a huge well done to all involved!
“Excellent patient feedback - saved their sight and kept their faith!”
Congratulations to our Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) Upgrade Project team at Aintree who have been awarded Team of the Month.
The EPMA Upgrade Project team was nominated for demonstrating a shared vision for effectively implementing a system that will improve the safety of our patients.
The nomination explained: “The EPMA and pharmacy stock control system upgrade has been over a year in planning and five months of intensive testing and go live preparation. The system manages administration of around 25,000 medication doses per day across our sites and is a core digital system used to maintain patient safety across our hospitals.
“The system needed upgrading to deliver some key safety updates, and the Pharmacy Digital Medicines team, supported by digital services delivered the project on time and with minimal impact to our patients.
“The team ensured the upgrade was meticulously planned and demonstrates a great example of cross team collaboration with technical and clinical colleagues working together to benefit our patients. Overnight, the team remained on site across wards and emergency departments to ensure overnight teams felt supported.
“We now have an updated EPMA system with enhanced security and new features allowing us to drive forward key improvements. The upgrade was planned to take up to six hours offline, which can have a significant impact on our medicines use, however the overnight work was completed two and a half hours early thanks to the shared efforts of our teams.”
This month we have two fantastic winners of our Team of the Month award!
The Emergency Eye Department at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (pictured above) were nominated by a patient thrilled with their experience of care.
The nomination read: “All of the staff, reception, nursing and doctors, in particular Dr Maria and Dr Raphael were absolutely fabulous, professional, caring and friendly. Their attitude was tremendous, and the updates and information regularly provided to me was outstanding.
“The sheer determination to get to the root cause of my issue was marvellous and after spending over 17 hours in the unit over three days, I can truly say the department is a credit to the organisation and I am thrilled to have received such care.
“Having gone through a terrible experience, twice, I was apprehensive about going to hospital once again. However, the staff at the Emergency Eye Clinic have filled me with renewed confidence in the NHS. Clearly, the Royal is an outstanding hospital, with St Paul's Emergency Eye Clinic providing exemplary care to patients.”
Ward 7A Catering team at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (pictured above) were nominated for their hard work and dedication to patients every day.
The nomination read: “The catering staff on 7A are absolutely amazing! A ward which is very demanding and busy, and they still always find the time to speak to every patient and chat with their families. We have some patients who stay on our ward for months and the families do nothing but praise the team for their hard work and compassion.
“They spend time with patients to ask for their meal preferences, allow them to try a variety of menu and food options which is especially important with elderly care as the nutrition for these patients is vital. Patients who are on our ward for long periods of time look forward to seeing Patsy, Jackie and Nicola and always ask when they will be on the ward.
“Our ward would not have half the care and laughter that it has if it was not for these three special ladies!”
The Breast PACS team was nominated for demonstrating dedication and persistence to streamline their pathway making significant improvement for patients.
The nomination explained: “Breast cancer patients have five years of annual mammography following their diagnosis and treatment and some women with a strong family history of breast cancer may be referred into the Breast Unit for a risk assessment and so require annual surveillance mammograms.
“This small team took on a huge project to transfer all patient surveillance cards to a paper free digital system, such a radical change that it required collaboration with other staff groups within the service, including the admin and clerical team, surgeons, radiologists, nursing and radiographic staff, supported by the QI team to input around 16,000 future follow up appointments.
“The team undertook this work over eight months alongside their normal activity, ensuring careful data transfer to achieve what now is a paper free mammography surveillance system which has reduced the scope for errors, eliminated the possibility of paperwork being mislaid and allows greater visibility of patients' pathway for all staff involved in their care.”
Judges praised: “This is a great nomination - well done to the Breast PACS Team for going above and beyond to implement a system which will see major improvements for patients”.
“Wow, what an amazing project you've achieved - you should all be very proud! The prevalence of breast cancer across our region means that sadly, we will all have some experience or understanding of this cancer and this huge piece of work and the dedication and commitment of the team will mean that we can continue to deliver the high standard of care and ongoing monitoring for so many people. Our huge thanks to you all.”
“You’ve shown initiative, embraced innovation, and continuously strive to improve the care experience, well done.”
The Personal Safety Team was nominated for their exceptional teamwork, cross-department collaboration and ‘make it happen’ attitude. The team delivers training to empower colleagues to keep and feel safe by offering knowledge and practical skills.
Since the relaunch of the Personal Safety Training Offer, the team has made an outstanding impact, delivering training to over 650 colleagues. This achievement is even more remarkable given that it has been driven by a collaborative effort across multiple departments, with trainers delivering sessions alongside their full-time roles. Their dedication to improving staff safety, confidence, and de-escalation skills has made a real difference across our hospitals.
The nomination explained:
“The success of this project is built on the positive attitude of trainers balancing their full-time roles to coordinate and support one another to continuously improve the programme, with a shared goal of making the workplace safer. Key achievements include adapting to high demand while ensuring sessions remain engaging and effective, working closely with various teams to make the training as accessible and relevant as possible, delivering bespoke sessions tailored to specific departments, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to meet emerging needs, and ensuring the training meets the highest standards by collaborating with IKON Training, an organisation accredited by the Institute of Conflict Management (ICM) and registered with the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN).
“The impact of this training is not just reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who have attended. Colleagues have expressed that the training has significantly increased their confidence in managing challenging situations, with many saying they now feel safer and more prepared in their roles.
“The practical, hands-on approach has been particularly praised, with delegates highlighting how the techniques taught are realistic, applicable, and easy to remember in high-pressure situations.
“The dedication of the trainers has not gone unnoticed, with over 600 attendees rating the training an exceptional average score of 4.95/5, reflecting the high quality of delivery, relevance, and overall positive experience.”
Judges praised:
“A strong nomination that details the scale and scope of the work completed by the team to promote the safety of staff. A huge well done and thank you to you all!”
“Your teamwork is exemplary, supporting one another and communicating effectively!”
The team was nominated for their unwavering professionalism, compassion and resilience in making a difference to the lives of thousands of patients who enter our hospital each day.
The nomination read:
“I want to take a moment to recognise the incredible work of our Admin Team, our true unsung heroes based in our clinics and reception areas. They are the face of our hospital, the “other front door” and the first point of contact for many patients and visitors.
“Every day, they guide people to their appointments, offer reassurance during moments of vulnerability, and remain calm and professional even when faced with frustration or distress.
“Recently, one team member in particular, Joanne exemplified this compassion and resilience when a member of the public saw her as the last person who would listen in a moment of distress. Joanne calmly supported the patient, guiding them to safety and her gentle approach made a real difference which is a true reflection of the values the whole team brings to work every day.”
Judges praised:
“A worthy nomination for our essential administration team who do so much to support patients and their families. Their knowledge and skills provide a vital steer as an essential part of the patient journey.”
“Joanne's calm response and sensitive approach in response to the patient at their darkest moment is truly humbling and inspirational. Thank you for all that you do!”
The team was nominated by the patient’s family member in recognition for their exceptional care, empathy and compassion in supporting the patient to attend their appointments during an extremely difficult part of their life.
The nomination read:
“Following a family bereavement, my daughter was struggling with grief and leaving the house, meaning she cancelled a series of her appointments. After sharing my concerns with one of the department secretaries, I was reassured not to worry and Dr Bharati offered telephone appointments before suggesting she try and attend an in-person appointment.
“At such an unimaginably difficult time going through a tragic loss, staff within Dermatology have treated my daughter with extraordinary kindness, patience and understanding.
“The entire team has gone beyond their roles to make her feel supported and their gentle approach has made an overwhelming situation so much easier for us both. Not only have they provided excellent clinical care, but also the most heartfelt support, which must have been difficult for them too seeing my daughter so upset.
“I am profoundly grateful for the way they cared for my daughter when she needed it most. Their compassion made a genuine difference, and I believe they are truly deserving of recognition for their outstanding support.”
Judges praised:
“Exemplar of going beyond for a patient, given their difficult situation. It is commendable that our staff have been able to adapt to what this patient needs to ensure she receives her care. Exceptional patient support, truly well done!”
The team was nominated for consistently delivering outstanding patient-centred care that combines clinical expertise with compassion, inclusivity, and dedication, supporting both physical recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Their approach empowers patients, builds confidence, and demonstrates the very best of NHS care, and over the past few months this team has received numerous compliments from our patients.
The nomination which includes wording from patients, read:
“The team create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds feel included. Gym sessions, education, and guided conversations are carefully designed to encourage trust, confidence, and patient engagement.
“Their expertise is matched by empathy, attention to detail, and a focus on safety, which has a significant impact on patient recovery, confidence, and long-term health. Their programme motivates patients to maintain fitness, adopt healthy lifestyles, and feel reassured and supported throughout rehabilitation.
“The Broadgreen Cardiac Rehab Unit provides a life-affirming experience that strengthens both the mind and body, representing a highly effective and valuable part of cardiac care.”
Judges praised:
“A powerful and well-deserved nomination for this incredible team that provide such a valuable service to our patients.”
“The service provides holistic care empowering patients and building their confidence at such a frightening time. The empathetic and compassionate care provided builds trusting relationships with patients and enables them to feel safe and valued. Thank you to you all for the amazing service that you provide.”
The team was nominated for consistently delivering outstanding patient-centred care that combines clinical expertise with compassion, inclusivity, and dedication, supporting both physical recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Their approach empowers patients, builds confidence, and demonstrates the very best of NHS care, and over the past few months this team has received numerous compliments from our patients.
The nomination which includes wording from patients, read:
“The team create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds feel included. Gym sessions, education, and guided conversations are carefully designed to encourage trust, confidence, and patient engagement.
“Their expertise is matched by empathy, attention to detail, and a focus on safety, which has a significant impact on patient recovery, confidence, and long-term health. Their programme motivates patients to maintain fitness, adopt healthy lifestyles, and feel reassured and supported throughout rehabilitation.
“The Broadgreen Cardiac Rehab Unit provides a life-affirming experience that strengthens both the mind and body, representing a highly effective and valuable part of cardiac care.”
Judges praised:
“A powerful and well-deserved nomination for this incredible team that provide such a valuable service to our patients.”
“The service provides holistic care empowering patients and building their confidence at such a frightening time. The empathetic and compassionate care provided builds trusting relationships with patients and enables them to feel safe and valued. Thank you to you all for the amazing service that you provide.”
