Debbie Heseltine, Switchboard Team Leader
Debbie Heseltine was presented with January's Employee of the Month award. Debbie is a well-known face at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital from carrying out the key role of Switchboard Team Leader.
Debbie was surprised by Rachael McDonald, Director of People for LHCH and Broadgreen Hospital who shared that Debbie had been nominated by multiple colleagues who had highlighted:
"We often talk about employees going the extra mile to support patients, families and staff. Debbie has done this to an exceptional degree and has shown great resilience and leadership. She has supported her colleagues, our department and indeed the wider hospital ensuring the switchboard continues its 24/7 operation despite difficulties faced. Her quiet efficient manner has made the environment a positive one to work even when Debbie and colleagues worked extra duties to ensure the services retained a good quality service. We have all appreciated Debbie for what she has done. She always has a smile and a caring attitude – nothing is too much trouble.”
Laura Stoddart, Midwife
Laura Stoddart, Midwife at Liverpool Women's University Hospital, has been named Employee of the Month for her vital role in supporting midwifery students.
Laura recently supported a final year student, who was experiencing significant mental health issues and considered leaving the course.
From promptly responding to emails and calls to offering consistent reassurance and understanding, her support helped give the student the confidence to continue her journey.
Reflecting on the experience, the student said she is incredibly grateful and believes she would not have been able to return to midwifery without Laura’s continued care and encouragement.
Charlotte Mistry, Critical Care Speech and Language Therapist
Charlotte, Critical Care Speech and Language Therapist at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, works with patients and their families at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her dedication, compassion and persistence have made a huge difference to patient care, and have led to her winning Employee of the Month.
A patient living in the Lake District was transferred to Charlotte's care after he was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening blood disorder which needed specialist treatment in Liverpool.
Due to limited services in the patient’s local area, he was not in the position to access the care he needed following discharge. Charlotte therefore single‑handedly coordinated a complex outpatient video appointment, ensuring the patient received vital follow‑up care without unnecessary additional journeys.
Charlotte's work helps patients remain safe, heard, and have access to care they would otherwise be unable to receive. Charlotte is truly deserving of this award.
Leander Tasker, Ward Manager, Ward 15
Leander Tasker, Ward Manager of Ward 15 at Aintree University Hospital, has been praised for her exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to improving patient care and staff wellbeing.
Widely regarded by her colleagues as an inspirational leader, Leander consistently goes above and beyond her role to enhance the patient experience and support her team.
Leander has worked closely with external partners to secure donations that have directly improved the ward environment. Leander has built strong relationships with local Tesco managers to provide supplementary nutrition and hydration treats for patients during a challenging time.
Leander has created a ward where patients feel valued and colleagues feel supported, and is is truly deserving of this recognition.
Linda Williams, Shuttle Bus Driver
After completing her final shuttle bus run of the day, Linda Williams spotted a couple of visitors who appeared disorientated.
Rather than finishing her shift and heading home, Linda approached the pair, who had spent the past hour searching for their car on the Aintree site in the dark and cold. Despite being at the end of her working day, she insisted on helping.
It was a small act of kindness, but one that made a big difference to the visitors, who were beginning to feel anxious. Before long, their car was found and they were safely on their way.
Linda’s patience, kindness and caring nature perfectly demonstrate why she has been named Employee of the Month.
Mary MacLennan, Staff Nurse
Mary MacLennan, Staff Nurse on Ward 3 at Broadgreen Hospital, acted quickly to save the life as she noticed he was suffering from a heart block.
Mary acted promptly, contacting all the relevant medical teams.
Those who responded to Mary's call praised her compassion, dedication and empathy.
The patient has since been transferred to an acute hospital site for treatment which has made a massive difference in his life expectancy.
Congratulations Mary, you thoroughly deserve this award and recognition.
Leah Ittychoria, Critical Care Nurse
Congratulations to Critical Care Nurse, Leah Ittychoria, February's Employee of the Month award for Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. Jen Taylor, Director of Nursing for LHCH and Broadgreen Hospital shared Leah's nomination which said:
"The Critical Care team are very proud of Leah who is worthy of recognition this month. Whilst on her second driving lesson she was stopped at the zebra crossing and witnessed a man collapse in the street. Leah immediately commenced CPR until paramedics arrived. Her quick thinking, skill and actions showed remarkable courage. Leah has truly gone above and beyond in her role. She truly needs praise for having shown her dedication to her nursing duties, compassion and care."
Well done Leah for your quick-thinking and life-saving skill which made such a difference.
Lesley Lamen, Diabetes Specialist Nurse
A patient has nominated Lesley Lamen, one of our Diabetes Specialist Nurses at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, after crediting her with saving his life.
Following discharge after surgery, Lesley remotely identified dangerously rising glucose levels and early signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Acting quickly and decisively, she ensured the patient received urgent help, leading to hospital admission and life‑saving treatment.
The patient said that without Lesley’s intervention, the outcome could have been very different.
This incredible nomination highlights the vital role our specialist nurses play every day and why Lesley is such a valued and inspiring colleague.
Sarah Roberts, Health Care Assistant
Sarah Roberts, Health Care Assistant, is Employee of the Month for Liverpool Women's.
Sarah delivers high-quality, person-centred care, always showing kindness, empathy and professionalism. Her calm and reassuring manner makes a real difference to patients, especially those who are anxious or vulnerable.
Sarah leads by example, maintains excellent standards, and is always willing to support her team.
Her compassion, positive attitude and commitment to care truly embody our values, making her a credit to the organisation.
Lorraine Long, Rapid Response Team Leader
Lorraine is a long-serving member of staff at Liverpool Heart and Chest and was nominated for her exceptional professionalism, resilience, and commitment to patient care under extremely challenging circumstances.
During a high-pressured situation Lorraine remained calm, compassionate, and focused, providing patient care of the highest standard while also supporting the family members present. This was an example of how our community staff are often required to work alone in unpredictable environments, manage significant clinical risk, and make critical decisions in real time, sometimes without immediate access to systems or support. Despite the emotional and physical demands of the situation, Lorraine upheld the highest professional standards and embodied the core values of our service.
Well done Lorraine.
Jim Shea, Security Operations Manager
Jim Shea responded to a car fire in the multi-storey car park at Aintree University Hospital with a calm head and a kind heart.
By liaising with colleagues from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and directing his own team, the fire was dealt with quickly, keeping patients and visitors safe and distribution minimum.
But it was Jim’s compassion that really stood out. When he learned the car belonged to a visitor who had been urgently asked to come to the hospital as her mother’s condition worsened in Critical Care, Jim made sure she could leave the scene straight away and be with her family, trusting his team to manage the incident.
Great work Jim.
Mia Evans, Clerical Officer, Breast Unit
Mia Evans is a real credit to the Breast Unit and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. She has been described as an “earth angel” by the patient who nominated her, in recognition of the compassion and dedication she showed while supporting a complex transition of care following the patient’s move to Liverpool.
The patient, who had previously been under the care of Halton Hospital, experienced a breast cancer scare in 2025. Understandably, the transfer of care caused the patient some anxiety, but Mia, who works as a Clerical Officer, went above and beyond to put her at ease. She ensured medical records were transferred safely and efficiently and promptly arranged an appointment with the Breast team at the Royal.
Congratulations to Mia on her well‑deserved Employee of the Month Award.
Lisa Doyle, Learning and Organisational Development Administrator
Lisa tireless efforts to help support resident doctors complete important training alongside their busy daily schedules, has led to her being awarded Employee of the Month.
Working as Learning and Organisational Development Administrator at Liverpool Women's University Hospital, Lisa has worked with colleagues across a breadth of departments and specialities, to help sustain high standards of care.
Lisa embodies the values of our organisation and is helping embed a culture of continuous improvement across our organisation. Well done Lisa.
Kevin Rothwell, Registered Nurse
Kevin Rothwell is thoroughly deserving of Broadgreen’s Employee of the Month Award, consistently demonstrating exceptional clinical leadership, professionalism and dedication to his patients.
In his role as a Band 6 Registered Nurse, Kevin supports junior staff and student nurses in their development, helping them with their decision-making and how to compassionately and effectively manage complex patients.
Kevin’s positive impact is reflected in the praise he receives. One student nurse said: “Kevin is the most amazing nurse I’ve ever met. his kindness, compassion and patience are admirable. He deserves all the recognition.”
Kevin’s Ward Manager added: “I could not do my job without the support Kevin provides me.
Congratulations on your award Kevin.
Sheena Hopkins, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Sheena has dedicated more than 46 years of service as a nurse at Broadgreen Hospital, and not a single day has passed without her making a difference.
Nominated by patients from the Allergy and Immunology Unit, Sheena is recognised for providing reassurance, clarity and a better understanding of their conditions, helping them feel supported every step of the way.
A surprised Sheena was presented with her award by Manoj Kuduvalli, Medical Director for LHCH, Broadgreen and DTC.
Telaid Alaw, Registered Nurse, Critical Care
“My words fall short to describe how amazing this woman is,” is how Telaid’s nomination begins.
Telaid has been named Employee of the Month in recognition of the outstanding support she provided to a patient’s family at a time when they needed it most.
While their loved one was recovering, Telaid was by their side every step of the way, answering questions and taking the time to explain complex or confusing terminology with compassion and clarity.
As the nomination goes onto conclude, “Telaid is a credit to the NHS”, and a thoroughly deserving winner of this award.
Michael Fagan, HCA
Michael’s caring nature shines through on every shift he works on Ward 8 at Aintree University Hospital.
Recently, Michael supported a patient with mental health needs and went above and beyond his usual duties by taking time to colour in with them and write poems, helping to ease their anxiety and reduce stress.
He also played a key role in ensuring the patient had a smooth and safe discharge, actively involving them in discussions and giving them a voice in choosing the care home they would move to.
Michael should be extremely proud of the compassion he shows every day and thoroughly deserves this award.
Eliora Duldoco, Deputy Ward Manager
Eliora is a much‑loved and highly valued member of the Acute Medical Unit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Held in incredibly high regard by her colleagues, Eliora plays a key role in the smooth running of the ward and consistently demonstrates what exceptional, patient‑centred care looks like.
Her colleagues had some lovely things to say about her:
“Eliora has given me reassurance and built my confidence to adjust to the demands of the ward.”
“Her actions mean our department runs smoothly and the team is in high spirits. A happy team means happy patients.”
“Nothing is ever too much trouble for Eliora. She is always on hand to help, with a positive attitude and a big smile.”
Eliora is clearly a credit to the team and thoroughly deserving of being named Employee of the Month.
Danielle Jones, Midwife
Midwife Danielle Jones was one of more than fifty colleagues who supported a husband and wife as they welcomed their newborn into the world, but she is the one whose name will be forever remembered by these new parents.
Having been under the care of teams at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital for fifteen months, the family spoke highly of everyone they met along the way. However, Danielle’s compassion and professionalism made her truly stand out.
In their nomination, the family wrote: “Danielle was the warmest, kindest, most supportive, knowledgeable and caring midwife I could ever wish for during a time that was not only magical, but also emotional and challenging.
“She is an absolute asset to the hospital and the wider healthcare system, and one of the finest examples of a clinical professional I have ever come across.”*
Danielle has more than earned the praise, the award and the title of Employee of the Month.
