Meet the NHS champions shortlisted for annual Thank You Awards

From nurses and care support workers, to therapists, dental officers and health visitors – these are just some of the NHS champions that will be recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty and providing exceptional care at the Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals and Bridgewater Community Healthcare staff awards.

The annual Thank You Awards shine a spotlight on staff, care givers and volunteers whose compassion, innovation and dedication has helped to shape and deliver outstanding patient care in our hospitals and communities.

This year a record-breaking 500 nominations were received from staff, patients and members of the public across 11 categories. 

Awards to be presented at the event in May include Clinical and Non-Clinical Colleague of the Year, Healthcare Hero, Inspiring Leader, and Innovation, Improvement and Research, along with several awards that recognise the achievements of teams across both trusts. 

Those shortlisted for this year’s ceremony include district nurse Jade Ward, nominated for her quick thinking and bravery to provide roadside care during a car accident, Keith Knowles, an estates mechanical engineer who has been praised for his work to keep Warrington Hospital running over the past 55 years’, and the CT Radiology Team for their dedication to delivering high-quality diagnostic scans for  trauma patients, those critically unwell in intensive care and patients with cancer. 

A number of special trophies will also be presented on the night, including an Outstanding Achievement Award selected by chief executive Nikhil Khashu, and the People’s Choice Award, which members of the public and readers of the Warrington Guardian were invited to submit nominations for. This special award recognises an individual or team who has provided remarkable care at Warrington and Halton Hospitals or at one of Bridgewater’s community locations. 

The finalists for 2026 in the People’s Choice category are: 

Cristobelle Federico, Care Support Worker 
An extract from Cristobelle’s nomination reads: “Cristobelle has a remarkable gift for connecting with individuals with dementia, meeting them with patience, understanding and heartfelt kindness. Her compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to patient wellbeing make her an extraordinary caregiver and a true asset to the ward.”

Dr Kate Hunter, Children’s Epilepsy Consultant 
Multiple nominations were received for Dr Kate Hunter, with one person praising her care and compassion. The nomination reads: “Our little girl is medically complex, and we have been struggling since birth to get answers. Dr Hunter listens with such care and compassion and working holistically to refer and sign post us to the right places. She went above and beyond for our girl and continues to do so.”

Lucy Atley, Health Visitor 
Lucy’s nomination shines a spotlight on her support for parents. It reads: “She has always been supportive and helped us so much in the past three years, I have been so thankful to have such an amazing lifeline of support there when I’ve needed it.”

Nikhil Khashu, chief executive of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals and Bridgewater Community Healthcare, said: “Our Thank You Awards celebrate the remarkable individuals and teams across WHH and BCH who go the extra mile to improve the experience of patients and their families and deliver exceptional care. The record-breaking number of nominations we have received this year is testament to the dedication, compassion and professionalism that so many of individuals and teams demonstrate every day.   

“Once again, our judging panel faced an incredibly tough task in selecting our finalists and it was an honour to read the messages of gratitude and support for our NHS staff. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and a big thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination.” 

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday 15 May at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, and every finalist will receive a highly commended award for being shortlisted. 

The celebration event would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses and corporate partners. Companies that may be interested in supporting the event as a sponsor are asked to email whh.thankyouawards@nhs.net or call 01925 662993.