Making a Difference Award winners

Strategic Lead for Lung Cancer Screening

I would like to nominate Karen Marley for the Making a Difference Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and dedication in rolling out the in-house service for Lung Screening Programme across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Karen has been instrumental in transforming the Lung Screening Team into a fully in-house service, a first in the country. This achievement involved the procurement of a new CT scanner and a new computer system, a complex process that required seamless collaboration across multiple departments and external partners.

Throughout this project, Karen has exemplified all Trust values, working in partnership with external companies to deliver services and equipment safely, and collaborating internally with colleagues in Radiology, ICT, P&I, Cancer Services (to name a few) to ensure the programme was operational and patients could be scanned on time.

Karen's exceptional dedication and professionalism have shone through, demonstrating remarkable resilience in overcoming multiple unexpected challenges. She consistently remained proactive, solution-focused, and positive, driving progress and ensuring the service continues to function effectively, providing the best possible care for patients.

Karen's leadership has been a huge inspiration, not only to her team but also to other Trusts now planning to follow her model. Her commitment and vision have truly made a difference and set a benchmark for excellence in patient care. Well done Karen!

Executive Assistant

I have spoken to Molly a few times now over the phone and she is always a delight, never fails to ask how I am and really means it when she asks, I understand Mr Manjunatha’s clinics are really full and there aren't any appointments until next year now.

I explained to Molly the difficulties I am having, and she respectfully explained to me the situation with capacity at University Hospital Coventry but offered me an appointment at Rugby, I had to decline as I cannot get to Rugby. Molly however explained she would look out for a cancellation slot for me and asked questions like if a slot appeared could I attend last minute to which I agreed.

In less than a day I had a call from Molly who was very pleased to tell me she had a free slot the following week I accepted. Molly is a lovely person, and I look forward to speaking with her she genuinely cares about the patients and the job that she does.

Charge Nurse 

During my mother’s stay in hospital, Crosstina consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting her as a patient, going above and beyond her clinical duties to provide compassionate, patient-centred care.  

She showed unwavering dedication, advocacy, and empathy, ensuring she felt heard, respected, and supported throughout their care journey. Her professionalism and kindness made a meaningful difference to the patient's wellbeing and exemplify the highest standards of nursing practice.  

My mum was immense pain and Crosstina worked closely with the doctors to support pain management which as a family, we are incredibly grateful. 

The whole team put every effort into making me feel reassured on the day of my procedure. From the ward clerk on admission, the staff nurse undertaking my discharge and the clinical teams in theatre, nothing was too much trouble. 

I have had eight surgeries under general anaesthetic and multiple day surgeries under general anaesthetics or sedation, but this is the first time I can honestly say that I felt that the patient came first over everything else.  

I had not met the surgeon before and even he gave the time to discuss and reassure me prior to the procedure. The two anaesthetists were great. There was a gentleman in theatre that was reassuring me as I was falling asleep - I think he was called Frankie - but he was lovely. 

Senior Occupational Therapist (REACT) 

Lydia deserves this award as she has provided a fantastic learning environment for one of our student placements. The student she was supporting was failing by week four and we were not sure if we were going to see any improvement.  

Through a robust and supportive action plan, increased supervisions and well-being sessions, this student has thrived and has passed the placement with a 2:1!  

It has been a pleasure to oversee this placement and witness the dedication and care that has been shown for one of our future professionals. 

People Support Team Admin Officer 

Despite experiencing personal loss and an operation, they have returned to their role with an inspiring commitment to colleagues/the team. Their compassion have had a profound impact on the team and those around them - especially me. 

They are invested in collective success, aligning with the purpose of our work. They try to ensure managers are supported, for example, conducting background research into team development/offering solutions, so that managers can support officers and deliver meaningful change in inclusion, engagement and wellbeing for over 11.5k colleagues. 

Their courage shone through when escalating a particularly difficult and concerning incident, even when it caused personal anxiety, they acted decisively and with integrity as an active bystander, to protect wider colleagues and uphold values. They are increasingly self-aware and reflective, willing to grow, and have taken ownership of their own learning journey, currently developing skills in their own time to improve accessibility in design, ensuring that people can access our support services without barriers, and wants to share that knowledge. 

They coach colleagues through difficult moments showing up with both vulnerability and strength and sharing own experiences honestly while offering guidance and encouragement. I’ve been really proud to watch their growth over the last year, and feel it is time for them to be recognised, as they have recognised others daily through various forums locally and widely. 

Senior Renal Technologist 

During the week commencing 15th December, the department faced an unprecedented and unexpected reduction in staff, with four out of five team members unable to work due to sickness and annual leave. 

Despite not being scheduled to work on Monday 15th, Ami demonstrated exceptional commitment by prioritising confirmation of staff numbers and voluntarily coming in on his day off.  

Following this, Ami continued to work single-handedly for the remainder of the week, ensuring the technical requirements of the main renal unit were met, along with support for four satellite units.  

His dedication and proactive approach were instrumental in maintaining patient care during this critical period. Without Ami's outstanding work ethic, patient treatments would undoubtedly have been impacted. I am extremely proud to have Ami as a member of our team, and I believe he should be equally proud of the way he supported the renal service and upheld the reputation of the Trust. 

His actions exemplify the values of commitment, responsibility, and patient-centered care that this award seeks to recognise. 

People Support Manager - EDI

Since joining the Trust, Charlotte has consistently gone above and beyond to transform and strengthen the EDI landscape at UHCW. Her passion for equality, diversity and inclusion is not only evident in everything she does - it actively drives meaningful cultural change across the organisation. Charlotte has an exceptional ability to identify where improvement is needed, create awareness, and then take proactive, focused action to deliver lasting change. Her depth of knowledge in EDI is remarkable, and she shares this generously with her team and colleagues, empowering others to grow, learn and champion inclusion with confidence.

Charlotte lives and breathes our Trust values. While she demonstrates Improve every single day, she equally embodies the other values in her interactions with staff at every level. She always finds time to support those around her, offering kindness, guidance and reassurance, no matter how busy she is. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy and authenticity, and she inspires others through both her words and her actions.

I am incredibly proud of everything Charlotte has achieved in such a short space of time. Her impact has already made UHCW a more inclusive, understanding and supportive place to work - and this is only the beginning of what she will accomplish. She is a true role model, a driving force for positive change, and absolutely deserving of recognition.

ACP – Midwife Maternal Medicine

After experiencing concerns about epilepsy during her pregnancy and seeking advice on the risks and different birth options, Claire showed her support and compassion which helped to reassure her at this vulnerable time.

“I instantly felt Claire's warmth, compassion and most of all in specialist knowledge of epilepsy and pregnancy. Claire gave us all the information on risks and different birth options and answered all of our questions that we weren't previously given answers to. Claire honestly felt like our guardian angel! From that moment Claire was our constant anchor, and we felt so safe and reassured under her care.

Nothing was too much for Claire and she always was very professional and knowledgeable. Claire went above and beyond to give us all the information she could to help answer any queries and always there to support. Claire is very special and a true asset to the Trust. I believe Claire would meet all of the Trust values!”