Local NHS teams honoured at THRIVE Awards
Healthcare professionals, support staff and volunteers from across Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to patient care and community wellbeing at the Trust's inaugural staff THRIVE Awards.
The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday 11 November at Corby Cube, celebrated the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to support patients, service users, carers, families and colleagues across Northamptonshire and beyond.
Winners included the Recovery Team at HMP Peterborough, who took home the prestigious Healthcare Team of the Year award for their "compassionate, trauma-informed care" in a secured setting. The team were recognised for their commitment to their patients and their "genuine compassion and belief in recovery".
Chosen by Chief Executive, Angela Hillery and Chair, Faisal Hussian, NHFT's Acute inpatient wards and Psychiatric Intensive Care Units received the CEO and Chair Award. Presented by the Chair, the teams were praised for their recent 'Outstanding' Care Quality Commission inspection, which found that teams were continually innovating, improving and involving service users in their care.
The Caregiver of the Year award celebrated outstanding individuals who consistently demonstrate kindness, professionalism and unwavering dedication. Kenny Oyeneyin from the Physical Health Team at HMP Lincoln received the award for his "remarkable resilience" and his dedication to patients. Cindy Noyce from the Wheatfield Unit at Berrywood Hospital was a highly commended nominee in this competitive category.
Presented by Chief Medical Officer, Dr Itai Matumbike, the Clinical Leader of the Year award also saw a highly commended nominee, Dr Jatan Parmar from the Gender Identity Clinic. But ultimately, it was Lyndsey Rignall from Urgent Community Response who received the award for her consistent "desire to improve services" to "ensure that the care provided is of the highest possible standard".
Angela Hillery, Chief Executive of NHFT, said: "Across NHFT, our colleagues make a difference every single day. Whether supporting patients, service users, carers, families or each other, their dedication and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.
"The THRIVE Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate those individuals and teams whose commitment, innovation and teamwork help us achieve our vision of thriving together to build compassionate care and wellbeing for all.
"Behind every nomination is a story about somebody making a difference. Behind every shortlisted individual and team are colleagues, patients, service users, carers, families and communities whose experiences have been changed for the better."
The annual THRIVE Awards align with NHFT's vision of 'thriving together to build compassionate care and wellbeing for all' and they recognise excellence across a wide range of categories, from frontline caregiving and leadership to community partnerships and innovation.
The evening was opened by NHFT Chief Executive Angela Hillery and hosted by John Griff, local broadcaster and journalist.
The awards were made possible thanks to headline sponsor, Omodo & Jaecoo, charity partner, Northamptonshire Health Charity and category sponsor Hempsons for supporting the event.
The Trust are always looking for passionate local businesses who would like to support next year's recognition programme, if you are interested, please contact the communications team: [email protected]
THRIVE Awards 2026 winners
Healthcare Team of the Year – Recovery Team, HMP Peterborough
Support Service of the Year – Turnaround Team, Secured Services, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire
Rising Star – Lara Elwick, Older Adults Community Mental Health Team, Northampton
Group Excellence – Group Co-production Charter, Alison Kirk (LPT), Nicola Oliver, Georgie Lomas and Children and Young People's Participation and Lived Experience Advisors
Special Recognition Award, Hannah Heaver, Specialist Palliative Care, Cransley Hospice
Valuing Our People Award, Adele Solomon, Hazelwood, Isebrook Hospital
Clinical Leader of the Year, Lyndsey Rignall, Urgent Community Response
Support Leader of the Year, Ilona Laverenko, Workforce, St Marys Hospital and Kerrey Healey, Catering Compliance Officer, Hotel Services
Caregiver of the Year – Kenny Oyeneyin, Physical Health Team, HMP Lincoln
Patient and Carer Choice Award – Lisa Louden, Perinatal Mental Health Team
Healthy Communities Award – Rhiannon Grebert, Gender Identity Clinic, Danetre Hospital
CEO and Chair Award – Acute Inpatient Wards and PICU Berrywood Hospital and St Marys Hospital
Has a team at NHFT made a difference for you? The Patient and Carer Choice Award remains open throughout the year, allowing patients, service users, carers and families to recognise NHFT colleagues and teams who have made a meaningful difference to their experience of care.
People wishing to nominate an individual or team for the 2027 THRIVE Awards can find out more at www.nhft.nhs.uk/thriveawards