Inspirational NHS staff delivering exceptional care to children and their families were recognised with this year’s Kent Messenger Hospital Hero award.

The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s (MTW) Staff Stars annual ceremony was held on Friday at High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells.

The event aims to recognise employees who go above and beyond for patients.

The KM presents an award as part of the night and we received more than 40 nominations.

The winners for Maidstone, Jenny Endean and Maxine Libby, from the paediatric diabetes team, were nominated 13 times and the reasons reflected just how much care and attention the pair pay to their patients.

One glowing nomination from Laura Watson, from Aylesford, whose daughter, Ellie-May, 11, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 18 months ago, said Jenny had been her rock. The 35-year-old said: “She is very caring and has a kind and calm nature about her, she always goes that extra mile to help or get you the help needed.”

Alison Ring, of Corbett Close, East Malling, said Maxine had helped her deal with her seven-year-old son James’ diagnosis: “She made everything seem so calm and easy even though it was a difficult time.”

Mrs Endean said: “To receive an award we have been nominated for by our patients and their families is very special. We are grateful to have received the nomination and appreciate people voting for us.”

The Tunbridge Wells winner, was Carol Smallman who received seven nominations for her work with cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers - an inherited condition causing sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system.

Nicola Cropper, mother to two-year-old twins, Harry and Ivy, who both have CF, said of Carol: “She is so supportive, caring and like one of the family but also manages to remain entirely professional. She’s a superhero for sure.”

Carol said: “Our team do all we can to make life easier for both child and family. Thank you all so much for this award.”

Attendees were joined by comedian Paul Kerensa, writer of BBC1’s Miranda and Not Going Out, and the MTW choir, Singing Nation.

Miles Scott, the trust chief executive, said the awards are a chance to shine a light on the staff’s achievements, commitments and professionalism.

Below are the full details of the winners and award categories:

Patient First

Runner up – Individual: Ailish Flanagan, Chemo Staff Nurse, Maidstone

Winner – Individual: Philippa Moth, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Runner up – Team: Bereavement support Midwives, Cross-site

Winner – Team: Joint winners Whatman Ward and Ward 2

Respect

Runner up – Individual: Rita Joseph, Matron – Sexual Health Services

Winner – Individual: Lindsey Reynolds, Lead Matron Critical Care Directorate

Runner up – Team: Senior Specialist Doctors, Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Winner – Team: Ophthalmology Outpatients, Maidstone

Innovation

Runner up – Individual: Sarah Kray – Ward 21 Manager

Winner – Individual: Jo Garrity, Head of Staff Engagement and Equality

Runner up – Team: Karen Cater and Kate Hallewell, Acute Medicine and Geriatrics

Winner – Team: Pre-Operative Assessment Team, Cross-site

Delivery

Runner up – Individual: Mary Rogers, Lead Governance Co-ordinator, Acute and Emergency and Specialist Medicine

Winner – Individual: Liam Gower, Recruitment Officer

Runner up – Team: Acute Medical Unit, Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Winner – Team: Two Week Wai Booking Team, Oncology

Excellence

Runner up – Individual: Dr Deborah Allen, Consultant Radiologist

Winner – Individual: Val Gallagher, Head and Neck Matron (now retired)

Runner up – Team: Infant Feeding Team, Cross-site

Winner – Team: Catering Team, Cross-site

Special Recognition Award

Winner: Dr Emma Townsend

Chairman’s Award

Winner: Joint winners – Cytology and Ward 22

Volunteer of the year

Runner Up: Gill Waite, Purchase Ledger Clerk, Financial Services

Winner: Kay Southard, Crowborough Birthing Centre

Team of the Year

Runner Up: Oncology Admin Team, Cross-site

Winner: Urology Team, Maidstone Hospital

Employee of the Year

Runner Up: Pamela Bridger, Senior Nurse – Practice Development Professional Standards Team

Winner: Sue Chapman, CSW Discharge Lounge Maidstone

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells

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