Awards ceremony congratulates NHS staff on outstanding accomplishments

Awards ceremony congratulates NHS staff on outstanding accomplishments image

Home » News » Awards ceremony congratulates NHS staff on outstanding accomplishments

NHS staff working at the region’s integrated care board were the focus of an awards ceremony which saw a celebration of achievements made across the organisation.

Intended as the first of an annual series of presentations to staff who had made exceptional contributions to the health of local people, the event saw nine awards made in different categories.

Among the winners were:

  • Kirsty Thompson, a project manager implementing a new education package for NHS staff on learning disabilities and autism, who has ensured that 1,300 local NHS staff have been trained in the first six months since it was introduced.
  • A team of nurses responsible for quality improvement in nursing homes in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, who have created a professional development community for nurses who often feel isolated because of the physical distance between them and their peers.
  • Jane Hayter, from the contracts team, who takes a special interest in patient transport and takes special care to reflect individual patients’ preferences in their travel arrangements.
  • The Luton place team, for its exceptional work in building partnerships with colleagues in the local authority and primary care sectors, particularly around smoking cessation services.
  • Dipa Munna, an administrator in the primary care team, for her highly efficient organisation of the team’s workload whilst covering vacancies as well as her own role.
  • Samita Dass, a manager in the transformation team, who shares her experiences of working in the NHS as a hijabi Muslim woman, and the perceptions and prejudices which she faces as a consequence.
  • Sarah Frisby, senior community engagement manager, for her emotionally intelligent team management, which provides support and a friendly ear to staff on their own terms.
  • Natasha Pilgrim, communications officer, for her outstanding achievement in programming, publicising and hosting a series of online seminars for the ICB’s Black Leaders Week in July 2024.
  • Alex Wrack, head of the Bedford Borough place team, for her astute judgment, transparency and adaptability in her first NHS role, having moved from the local authority sector.

Felicity Cox, chief executive of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“NHS staff move mountains every day to commission and provide the best possible care to patients.

“I’ve been bowled over by the range of reasons given for the nominations made.  Despite my best efforts to get out and about in the organisation and the wider community, I had little knowledge of some of the projects and activities, such is the range of achievement and dedication of our workforce.

“Acknowledging our staff for going over and above in their work is so important, and I’m hoping this will be the first of an annual series of events where we can recognise their accomplishments.”

The awards were handed out at an event in Flitwick which also congratulated 51 staff on long service totalling over 1,500 years.

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

27 June 2025

Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show

The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…

News

20 June 2025

Secretary of State officially opens new clinical space at Leighton Buzzard Health…

Seven new clinical rooms created to meet growing demand at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre were officially opened at a ceremony yesterday (Thursday 19 June) by…

News

17 June 2025

Celebrating Learning Disability Week: championing voices, and better health for all

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (ICB) is supporting Learning Disability Week 2025 (16-22 June), shining a light on the experiences, rights, and aspirations of people with a…

News

11 June 2025

Bike Week 2025: Pedalling towards health – for us and the planet

During Bike Week (9-15 June), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging residents to take to two wheels – for better health and a greener Earth.…

News

9 June 2025

Men’s Health Week 2025: early diagnosis saves lives

As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical…

News

6 June 2025

Local general practices offering 16% more appointments than last year

The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has risen again, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering January…