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Homepage | News | Dudley Healthcare Heroes recognised at Committed to Excellence Awards

Dudley Healthcare Heroes recognised at Committed to Excellence Awards

Dudley Healthcare Heroes recognised at Committed to Excellence Awards

Recognising the people behind outstanding care, innovation and teamwork across The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.  

More than 300 staff and volunteers came together on Friday 17 July for the Committed to Excellence Awards 2026, recognising outstanding work by staff across the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. 

The annual awards, held at the Copthorne Hotel and hosted this year by ITV weather presenter Des Coleman, celebrated the individuals and teams making an exceptional difference to patients, families and colleagues across Dudley. 

More than 700 nominations were submitted by patients and colleagues this year across 18 categories to recognise those who go above and beyond in their roles. From excellence in patient care and teamwork, to innovation and leadership, the awards recognised the people behind the exceptional care and support.  

Chief Executive Diane Wake said: “The Committed to Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognise the people who make our Trust what it is. Every nomination reflects an act of kindness, dedication or teamwork that has made a real difference and has helped shape better care.  

A huge congratulations to all our finalist and winners. I am incredibly proud of everyone who was nominated. Thank you for everything you do as we continue to build a Trust that is Fit for the Future for our patients, our people, and our population.” 

Among those recognised on the night was Lucy Smith, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award for going that extra mile within the Cancer Services. 

Lucy was recognised for consistently putting patients first and for developing a Straight to Surgery pilot to improve the pathway for skin cancer patients, reducing the time they wait for diagnosis and surgical treatment. 

The Healthcare Heroes Team Award was presented to Sian Annakin and Georgina Brabham, who stopped at the scene of a serious motorway collision. Working together in difficult and challenging conditions, they provided urgent emergency care and performed CPR. Their calm response and willingness to help reflect the very best of healthcare and what it means to be true healthcare heroes. 

At just 18 years old, Luke Pearson was named Volunteer of the Year after completing over 1,000 volunteer hours since October 2024. Luke has shown exceptional commitment to helping others, including using CPR and a defibrillator to help a person in need.  

One of the most moving moments of the evening came when Edele Tracey (Registered Midwife) and Rachel Harewood (Rainbow and Bereavement Midwife) received the Patient Choice Award. They were nominated for the extraordinary compassion and support they gave to a family following the stillbirth of their baby, helping them to create precious memories and providing comfort during an unimaginably difficult time. The family who nominated them attended the ceremony to see them receive the award. 

Full list of winners: 

The evening was made possible with the support of sponsors University of Worcester, Summit, How to find a care home, Hill Dickinson, Mite, Altera, and O2 Business.

Their generosity helped create a memorable event.