This is the list of Consultants who were nominated for embodying the principles of the RCPCH, being role-models for trainees, inspiring their colleagues, and uniting the multidisciplinary team.
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Dr Yolanda Alins Sahun
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Yolanda truly deserves to be awarded the Paediatric Consultant Hero title for her outstanding contributions Paediatrics. Her commitment to excellence in her work is evident through her clinical outcomes and innovative treatment approaches, which have significantly improved patient care. Yolanda consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each child receives the best possible treatment, showcasing her dedication and expertise.
As the diabetic lead, she continually provides support for young patients with diabetes, ensuring they receive tailored, high-quality care; both as inpatients and the community.
Yolanda also exemplifies exemplary teamwork. She collaborates seamlessly with her colleagues, demonstrating empathy and support. Her approachable nature encourages open communication, making her a trusted resource within her team.
Yolanda’s interactions with patients and their families are nothing short of exemplary. She prioritises compassionate care, taking the time to listen and address their concerns. This builds trust and rapport, making families feel supported during challenging times. Yolanda’s holistic approach to paediatric care makes her a true hero in her field.
Yolanda is truly wonderful. She is amazing from the nursing perspective and we all love having her on the ward. Her dedication, time and passion towards her patient is second to none. She always has the ability patients best interest and the core of what she does. Yolanda is funny, charming and a breathe of fresh air.
She has such a clear and concise way of explaining and teaching with such passion. She stayed late after clinic to support our HCA with their nursing work.
Yolanda you’re great. We are lucky to have you
Yolanda is a fantastic consultant. She dictates so much time and passion into the patients on the ward and her role as a whole. She is approachable should and when you have any questions or concerns. I am hoping to progress in my own career and Yolanda has assisted me with information and knowledge that I have used towards my studies and I could not be more grateful.
Yolanda is a fantastic consultant. She dictates so much time and passion into the patients on the ward and her role as a whole. She is approachable should and when you have any questions or concerns. I am hoping to progress in my own career and Yolanda has assisted me with information and knowledge that I have used towards my studies and I could not be more grateful.
Yolanda works tirelessly for her patients . She is very invested in her patients care , checking up on them at all times of the day or night .. She is passionate about getting the correct care , and making sure it is delivered to her patients . Yolanda has also got a great working relationship with colleagues and staff on wards . And she always entertains us with her observations and views .
Dr Alex Allwood
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
An excellent clinician and master communicator. A role model I’ve looked up to for most of my training and someone who I feel is fully deserving of this award. Every family that interacts with Alex always seems to speak with such fondness of the care he gave them in their time of need. Not only does he treat his patients with such compassion, but also his team around him. Ever supportive of resident doctors and a shoulder to lean on. His teaching sessions are also some of the best I’ve received in my training. Thank you.
Alex supports trainees with their learning needs on NICU as well as extended learning needs. He takes responsibility for his patients and his trainees very seriously and leads a great professional example for trainees.
Dr Harriet Aughey
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Harriet has been a whirlwind since starting in Exeter two years ago. Her passion and drive to make improvements to families and babies care in Exeter is second to none. The number of projects and improvements Harriet is driving forward here is fantastic.
Harriet is a total inspiration, her pioneering ideas and charisma make her an absolute asset to the Exeter neonatal team. No task is unachievable, no project too daunting. She goes above and beyond for her patients and strives to improve neonatal care in general.
Her enthusiasm is infectious and her approach to patient care is admirable.
She’s a great team leader – organized, approachable and a wonderful support to her junior colleagues. We all love working with Harriet.
Harriet is a very inspirational consultant.
She’s dedicated to improving the service we provide to families, not just in our day to day practice but in her ability to see the bigger she is a real driver for change. She works collaboratively with all members of the team in all the projects she’s involved in and is innovative, inclusive and supportive.
Also an excellent clinician Harriet is such a great advocate for her patients and their families; she’s calm, competent and confident.
I personally really enjoy working with and learning from Harriet; her drive and enthusiasm is infectious and we’re incredibly lucky to have her as a member of our team.
Dr Oladipo Aworinde
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Great colleague to work with, excellent in his interaction with colleagues and patients, approachable, active listener
Dr David Bartle
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
He is such a wonderful consultant to work with. Dr Bartle is full of information support and kindness to the families while they are going through the most emotional time.
He alway take his time with staff teaching them or answering questions that staff have, he treats everyone the same leave with respect.
Dave is a fantastic consultant. He is always calm and approachable. He is incredibly supportive of junior colleagues and always strives to help us achieve things that we never thought possible. He is an enthusiastic teacher, and I have particularly enjoyed his departmental teaching sessions, as well as simulation on the neonatal unit. These sessions have proved invaluable whilst on the neonatal unit and I have gained so much from them. He is dedicated to patient safety and providing the highest quality care and I feel this has been demonstrated well through his involvement in our neonatal oral antibiotic project. He is an absolute pleasure to work with.
Dr Chris Bell
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Chris is great to work with. He has encyclopedic knowledge and excellent clinical skills. He is a very supportive colleague and gives sound advice. He is a keen and effective teacher and has been imaginative about how to institute training on the neonatal unit. The training days have always had good feedback from trainees.
Chris is popular with parents and patients due to his brilliant communication skills and empathetic nature. He has good leadership skills and is a nice clinical lead to work with.
Chris Bell is getting this nomination for all the amazing things he does for us on NNU. He
His neonatal lead role and his safely lead role has created a dynamic and secure place to work.
He has embedded many activities for the trainees, nurses and midwives that create a safe and welcoming learning environment.
We appreciate the open door policy that he and his colleagues have to give us the flat hierarchy that we thrive in.
His compassion for the babies and families under his care is paramount.
Chris is dedicated and energetic and we value his exceptional talent at leading a brilliant team.
Dr Emily Bell
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Emily is a fantastic consultant. She is supportive of her colleagues, and takes a genuine interest in the wellbeing of the team. When on service, Emily is present and always happy to help.
Dr Helen Brewer
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Helen has embodied the RCPCH values as an innovative, inclusive Clinical Lead for the CCH team over the last few years. She advocates for children and their families on an individual level through her clinical work, on a Trust level through CCH team expansion and service innovation, and on a regional level through her work as ICB Strategic Clinical Advisor for Neurodiversity. She is always on hand to support others in the team and actively seeks out and values others’ opinions.
Helen is leading in the creation of a properly functional multidisciplinary pathway for the identification and assessment of children with neuro-developmental conditions all across Devon. To achieve this holistic and excellent aim she is working across all the different health providers plus stakeholders in education and social care. Coproduction with parents, children, families is central to the planning. She encourages those around her to contribute and thinks outside the box with colleagues from academic departments at Exeter university
Altogether this is a huge and complex task yet she remains positive, focussed on solutions, creative and endlessly patient! She even still has her sense of humour.
Dr Chloe Bulwer
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Chloe works very hard coordinating the clinic allocation and teaching for the medical school students who rotate through paediatrics.
She also organises departmental CPD and works hard to ensure this is of high quality.
She is very approachable to the doctors in training. She is extremely hard working and dedicated, a strong advocate for her patients, and works well with, and supports, the administrative team in the community paediatric department.
Dr Christopher Butler
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Dr Butler is a phenomenal consultant. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough space to write why he should receive this award.
Sadly, his time is drawing to an end here in Cornwall but he won’t be forgotten due to the lasting impression he has left with both patients and staff. He started as a new consultant but over the past five years he has forged an expansive CV that many would take to develop in double that time.
We have been so lucky to have him here. He turned around the epilepsy care from working as a solo consultant to now an efficient service with three physicians, 4 nurses and a psychologist. It’s no mean feat but he made it all look very easy!
Trainees look up to him too. So much that he was awarded best foundation educational supervisor two years running.
Dr Butler recently organised the regional Epilepsy meeting which was exceptional and praised by a lot of those who attended.
Dr Butler will be sadly missed by all of us in the department. He is always happy to give advice to colleagues when needed and his departmental teaching is invaluable. He’s really made a difference and leaves some big shoes to fill.
His patients love him. I once had a parent tell me that they have a saying in their home. “when things are bad, what would Dr Butler do? We need to be more Chris!” It couldn’t sum it up better.
Dr Butler totally deserves this award as Consultant hero.
We wish him all the luck and happiness with his next adventure as it has been a blast having him on the team! Thank you Chris!
Dr Alex Childs
Works at Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Despite barely a year into her consultant role Alex has faced down one of the most personally and professionally challenging years that one might never wish to encounter.
When Alex took on the eating disorder service at Torbay I’m sure she was aware it was going to be a tough brief, but the team and service as a whole has seen unprecedented pressure in terms of sheer numbers but also hugely challenging complexity and high acuity.
Despite this Alex has remained an inspiration. Her priorities are crystal clear and consistent. Children and young people. Their families. Her team. She holds these three groups and their well-being as paramount, even when the interests of each group compete with the others!
She has held the medical and nursing team together. She continues to deliver this challenging service with a smile, proactive and practical attitude, and the occasional choice swearword.
I’m addition to this, Alex has found time to shift the dial on regional eating disorder work, develop novel new pathways for atypical eating disorders, deliver training and debrief to ward teams and engage in the wider discussion about the state of children’s mental health.
Her level of productivity is unbelievable. Her personal strength and fortitude is inspirational. She is a massive asset to the department and to the wider work around children’s mental health.
Dr Hannah Cottis
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Dr Cottis is quite simply one of the most dedicated and truly committed consultant paediatricians that I have ever met. Her patients are her absolute priority whether that be in the acute setting or in outpatients. She has a huge amount of knowledge and experience that is frequently shared amongst colleagues both formal teaching and in case by case discussion.
Hannah is also extremely committed to the education of her junior colleagues and is an extremely supportive and encouraging supervisor. She also contributes great deal to the education at medical students within the department.
Hannah is a true example of what it means to be a paediatrician.
Dr James Dearden
Works at Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Dr James Dearden is so supportive and reliable colleague; in short time after I have joined the new paediatric team, there was definitely a sense of belonging.
Dr James Dearden is excellent at identifying and addressing the trainees needs, and guiding them accordingly. He stands as a role-model for everybody.
James is an all round great consultant. Clinically he is brilliant and I know he will always be a helpful ear. He is a supportive, hardworking colleague and always willing to support and go the extra mile. He has flown in his role as college tutor and has really driven an improvement in the education provided within the department. He also really takes the time to support residents with applications and interviews. He is a brilliant team worker and has been an invaluable support to struggling colleagues. Both his verbal and written communication skills are faultless and he really ensures that all children and young people are front and centre of their care. He has also been amazing in his role as mental health lead and been innovative and imaginative with how to improve the management of CYP with mental health problems. He is a great advocate to ensuring experts by experience are included in health planning on ever level.
James innovates, influences, includes and leads on a local, regional and national level and I really don’t know where he finds the hours in the day for all he does.
James is an amazing consultant at Torbay. He is an absolute oracle and seems to know everything about everything. He is so supportive of the junior members of the team and always takes the time to teach and educate both formally and informally.
His championing of young peoples mental health is inspiring and he has worked extraordinarily hard to improve the care they receive in the region. He is passionate about making a difference and he really, really does. Thank you James, keep being you!
Dr Dearden seems to have fitted so well in the Consultant role. He is knowledgeable and confident. He seamlessly manages the acute workload and also a part of many non acute stuff. He has been shining in his role as the Torbay Mental Health Lead and the CYP Mental Health Advisor to Devon ICB and is extremely passionate about it. He is a great support to the junior trainees especially the trust grade doctors to guide them to get a training post.
Dr Cath Derry
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Always friendly, welcoming and easy to talk to
Dr Indra Dey
Works at Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Indra has taken the mantle of Epilepsy Service Lead this year – and embraced its many challenges and demands with enthusiasm, dedication, and good humour! He has welcomed and supported new team members -always making time to share knowledge and expertise. Indra works with the MDT extremely well – both sharing his wealth of knowledge and gaining their insights, as well as driving the service forward through ongoing QI projects within the team. This has included the important introduction of regular case and service discussion meetings, and adapting the transition pathway. So many families speak highly of his work and support of their child – and this is testament to his calm, reassuring and confident manner. It is a pleasure to work alongside Indra!
Dr Tom Fontaine
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Tom is always willing to support the education of trainees and colleagues on the unit. He is a dedicated supervisor. He is an extremely empathetic member of the consultant team who demonstrates the same level of compassion to his colleagues and the patients/ families. He is an excellent practitioner and working with him is always a pleasure.
Dr Rebecca Franklin
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
You know when Becs is on as you can hear her shoes tapping up the ward, and its a reassuring sound as she is such a wonderful, competent doctor. I have been in a couple of resuscitations in the last year where Becs was leading. One of which was the best resus I have ever been involved in. Becs made it clear who was in charge, she ensured everyone knew what she was thinking and very clearly went through A-E. Liasing with her team and we all knew what we were doing. She remained calm and in control and was incredible at following up after and ensuring everyone was ok. In the other she was able to adapt and become so compassionate and treat the family with such kindness and softness, it brought a tear to my eye. She was very clear with the families and staff about everything she was doing amd why. Becs is an incredible advocate for all her patients and their families, if they need anything doing like scans she will move heaven and earth to get it sorted. She is also an advocate for staff from doctors to students, she will openly challenge anyone she thinks is being treaten unfairly and I know I could go to her for any kind of support. When on ward round, as a nurse I feel listened to and that my opinion matters and any plan is clearly communicated to staff and families. Becs is great at teaching, anything I don’t understand I know she will provide the information in a way I understand. Becs is one of my favourite consultants and such a pleasure to work with! Thank you Becs!
Becs is an outstanding doctor who goes above and beyond for her patients. I had the pleasure of working closely with her one night in resus. She was fab, she showed amazing teamwork and leadership skills leading the team of doctors and nurses around her including myself. She interacted with myself, and other professionals really well. She also interacted with the family and patient with compassion and kindness despite the situation being an emergency. When parents were asking questions that I could not answer she always answered and reassured the family well. I would not have wanted any other doctor on call that night.
Dr Jonathan Gallichan
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Extensive paediatric neurology knowledge, pleasure to work with, always supportive and helpful, hardworking, always shows ownership and empathy towards patients, excellent teacher.
Jonathan is one of the hardest working consultants I know! I honestly don’t know how he does it with his humongous epilepsy workload! Calm, cool & collected nothing is ever to much to ask. It’s a pleasure when Johnathon is working on CAU, his dry sense of humour makes us smile & laugh!!
When he’s on CAU you know that if your worried about a patient he listens and never disregards your concerns.
Jonathan provides fantastic family centred care and will always listen to his patient & the parents concerns.
He is just a legend!
Dr Rachel Howells
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Rachel is an amazing consultant to work with. Not only is she kind, warm and approachable, she has incredible clinical knowledge and skills and is always keen and willing to share this with the wider team.
She always takes time to explain things fully to children and their families and is always patient and open to questions and providing detailed explanations. She leaves a lasting positive impression for these patients and families and always makes them feel heard.
Rachel is always a pleasure to work with and I know the unit is in safe hands when she’s on!
Dr Emma Hulbert-Powell
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Emma has had a particularly rough time at work with some very difficult and emotional cases; despite this, Emma always comes to work with a smile and happy to help no matter how menial the task. Emma is super calm in a crisis and I can’t think of anyone else I would rather have by my side during difficult times. Her knowledge and expertise is inspiring and she’s always happy to share this and teach those around her. Thank you Emma for all your hard work, and especially for your support to CHDU.
Dr Katy Huxstep
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Katy deserves this nomination for her exemplary work with cardiac babies and children. Katy is a joy to work with. She excels in educating the whole MDT. Her quizzes are renowned! Her decision making is safe, thoroughly thought through and utterly professional. She never fails to give 100% to the babies and Children in her care. She respect the opinion of others and is open to feedback.
I know we’re safe when The Huxstepper walks onto the Unit. Cue the music- Here Comes The Huxstepper….
Dr Alison Janzen
Works at Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Simply a wonderful human being. She cares about her patients, but also the staff around her too. She’s calm, but gets the job done.
Alison is such an amazing paediatric consultant that all the trainees aspire to be like. She is an exceptional role model demonstrating competence and knowledge whilst being down to earth and has a very good sense of humour. She is always ready to support the team whatever the circumstance. She builds good rapport with children and their families using her friendly communication style and always strives to do the best for those under her care.
Dr Eleanor (Ellie) Lawes
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Ellie is an exceptional doctor. She is Calm in the face of adversity (of which she gets more than her fair share). Her knowledge and humour make working with her a pleasure. She treats the team kindly and fairly. she makes everyone feel equally important. She leads from the top and is an excellent role model. Her patients and families have the best bedside doctor anyone could ask for. Her dedication and support to her team, peers and work make her a winner in this category.
Dr Charlotte Lea
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Recognising her great effort towards making trainees feel supported and empowered.
Dr Alison Markwick
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Caring and amazing colleague to work with
Dr Timothy Mason
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – NORTHERN
Demonstrates excellence in education of colleagues and trainees
Demonstrates exemplary team working and support to peers
Demonstrates excellence in their interaction with patients and their families
Passion with teaching
Dr David McGregor
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Dave has a real commitment to his role as Clinical lead across neonates and maternity – he has worked tirelessly to grow the team of ANNPs and SAS doctors for the unit. He always works collaboratively with all members of the team and is incredibly approachable, making time to talk to staff and parents to ensure they feel adequately supported.
Dr Christine McMillan
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Christine is a gentle, kind and caring consultant who leads the Eating Disorder service. Her calm and reasonable manner ensure that the service runs consistently and effectively to provide the best possible care to this patient group. Christine works incredibly hard to build strong rapport with patients and their family, whilst working equally hard to support all members of the team.
Christine is the voice of reason in a busy and challenging specialty. She values the opinions and expertise of all members of the team and makes sure everyone is listened to and supported to make change. Because of this, there is no sense of hierarchy within the team and everyone feels confident to challenge current practice for the betterment of the service.
Additionally, Christine is a genuine, funny and caring person who brings light to hard shifts! We are lucky to have her!
Christine is an incredible role model to many. Christine demonstrates an outstanding fulfilment in her work, and goes above and beyond continuously to ensure she meets the needs and requirements to all who require them. Christine is a FANTASTIC role model, nothing is ever too much bother and she will take the time to ensure she provides you with the support and education needs you require. Christine works closely with all teams whether this be in general on the ward, PAU, outpatients or alongside the mental health team. Christine has spent a great length of time getting to know her patients and their families, to build such a strong and positive relationship. Christine thrives in her role, and is a absolute credit to Bramble. We love you!
Dr Esther Morris
Works at Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
She is an excellent support and I have always learnt something from her in every shift. She is kind and empathetic and an excellent role model. Also, I love the way she thoroughly examines and thinks out-of-the-box to help the kids. I have also enjoyed the independence in making clinical decisions under her supervision. She also takes care of our wellbeing with the best cakes and tea.
Thanks Esther for inspiring us!
Esther is incredibly passionate about neonates and strives to educate others to ensure babies receive the best care possible. She always checks in on junior staff and endeavours to help in any way she can if they are struggling. She is very supportive and it is much appreciated.
Esther is an incredibly supportive consultant, always making time to listen to and teach trainees. She is a calm and reliable presence, empowering her team and ensuring excellent patient care. A true role model.
Esther is an extremely well liked paediatric consultant at Torbay Hospital. She is sensible, practical and down to earth with her management plans, always taking into account the psychosocial elements of every clinical case. She is supportive to the whole team and always ensures she seeks the opinions of everyone and makes them feel valued.
She is always striving for improvement and has worked so hard to improve neonatal care at Torbay, including implementing the peri-prem guidelines.
Dr Chris Moudiotis
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Chris is a truly fantastic consultant, who will always make the time to help and support everyone who requires it. Chris is very approachable, and friendly who has spent time to build an amazing rapport with his patients and their families. I have worked alongside Chris on both Bramble Ward, and the outpatient department. Chris approaches all his colleagues with a friendly and welcoming attitude, and is understanding.
I admire the work Chris does, and it is an absolute pleasure to work alongside him during his many different roles.
Dr Yahya Mubashar
Works at Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Such an approachable, helpful and intelligent Consultant. He takes every opportunity to teach and is keen to have resident doctors in his clinics. He is keen to support and is available to discuss safeguarding medicals and clinic patients. He puts families at ease and keeps children and young people at the centre of his care.
Dr Andrew Mullett
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Andy is a ‘proper’ doctor. He cares about everyone, the tiny people in incubators, the families and his team. His service weeks are a delight to observe. His teaching on ward rounds to develop the STs and trainee ANNPs is outstanding. He pushes them gently out of their comfort zone with diligence and encouragement.
After the going gets tough, he can be found giving the most compassionate hot debriefs.
Andy is a highly valued and respected member of the team for empowering all budding paediatricians.
Dr Stuart Nath
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Dr Nath is an inspirational consultant who I have the pleasure of calling a close colleague. I have worked alongside Dr Nath on occasions throughout the last few years and can honestly say I have not seen a more enthusiastic and hard working consultant. Dr Nath embodies what it is to be a paediatrician; he is kind, empathetic and communicates to the highest standard with his patients and colleagues.
Dr Nath has confronted challenges with reduced provision in his respiratory service and not once has he faltered to provide the highest standard of care. The ‘Thank You’ cards covering the wall of his office provides evidence of just how much his patients and families think of him.
Dr Nath always provides sound advice and support to his colleagues. He is always on hand and willing to help the trainees and senior doctors unpick perplexing cases. His knowledge of how to make the BEST cup of tea is also fundamental to the busy ward round being a success!
I particularly enjoy attending Dr Nath’s teaching sessions; he teaches with enthusiasm and I always come away from the sessions with a spring in my step and a new found enthusiasm for respiratory medicine.
Dr Nath has cared for my own child and his support and clinical knowledge helped us as a family through that stressful time. My child often remarks upon how Dr Nath is one of his heroes; it reminds me of the quote that ‘Children are like wet cement, Whatever falls on them makes a positive impression.’ And this positive impression will continue to be spread by Dr Nath with every patient and family he meets.
Thank you for being such an incredible colleague and paediatrician and you thoroughly deserve the Consultant Hero award.
Dr Rachel Nicholls
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Rachel is a fantastic colleague and fantastic consultant role model. Rachel is super knowledgeable and her experience and knowledge is such an asset to our team.
She is a fantastic and effective leader – as a female role model she manages to show leadership, excellent communication skills and delegation. She always puts the patient first and the fact that she reassesses and adapts her assessment is a testament to excellent training and clinical acumen.
The junior team love working with her as she will always teach them something new, with a smile and a joke along the way.
As a colleague she has the ability to drill down to the essentials and come to a coherent logical conclusion that she is able to to communicate to all. She has developed new services, is always approachable for advice and i am sure she will be a fantastic leader to us all in the future.
The team always spoke of Rachel very highly and since working with her i can see why – she is such an asset to our team and we are very lucky.
Dr Veronica Nijloveanu
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Veronica joined us as a consultant a few years ago and what an appointment she has been. Veronica is a dedicated team member, she works so hard and so brilliantly and always puts the needs of her patients before any thing else She is such a fantastic team player, and goes above and beyond to help her colleagues and team. She has risen to every challenge taking on new skills and new responsibilities. She is approachable, focussed and dedicated. Veronica is a fantastic colleague who we really value as part of our team and she has quickly become essential to our group. She is a fantastic teacher and trainer and always takes the time to do brilliant teaching. Well done Veronica, you are a fantastic role model and colleague – thank you
Dr Vicky Ohlsson
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Vicky is an incredibly supportive consultant. She has an excellent knowledge base but will also explore with her team to check what expertise is around and discuss plans involving everyone. She takes the time to ensure parents fully understand a situation/diagnosis, even if this means coming back multiple times and discussing with different family members
Dr Nicola O’Shea
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Nikky did such a fabulous job as college tutor, giving so much consideration to the needs of each trainee and their individual circumstances. Now she has moved into the role of NNU clinical lead and she is applying the same diligence to the needs of the unit. Things can be stressful at times but Nikky is always calm and consistent. She prioritises the wellbeing of others in the team and helps us all to remain positive in the face of challenges.
Dr Simon Parke
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
So many reasons. Leads by example. Hard working, passionate, knowledgable, caring. At the same time he enjoys his job – lots of smiles and laughs. Great fun to be around. In one word “inspiring”.
Dr Melanie Philipps
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Great Consultant! Always patient and always kind. Easy to approach about anything. I always enjoy working with Mel. No only is she a great colleague, she’s amazing for families. She shows a lot of care. Thank you.
Dr Chris Poh
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – NORTHERN
Chris is such a wonderful, selfless and kind Consultant. He has a great rapport with his colleagues; he takes time to truly listen and is meticulous in his written communication, which in turn ensures everyone is on the same page when delivering the best care to the families that he works with. Going above and beyond reflects his dedication not just to medicine but to the well-being of everyone around him. Thank you Chris for all you do!
Chis is one of the most caring and compassionate doctors I have ever worked with. He will take time to explain what is happening and teach, staff and parents, and always makes sure they understand what is happening. He will listen to concerns and never dismiss them, no matter how minor. He is a pleasure to work with.
Dr Alice Porter
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Alice is one of our new paediatric consultants and has become a great asset to the paediatric team at Derriford. She provides weekly SIM teaching which is an integral part of the team education, allowing staff to practice managing sick children as a team in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Alice is extremely conscientious and thrives to provide all our patients with the high standard of care. Alice is always approachable, friendly and provides and environment where no question is stupid. It is always a pleasure to work with Alice.
Dr Mala Raman
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Mala is an absolute pleasure to work with, she always has a smile on her face, and is always there for advice and help when needed by her colleagues. She always puts her patients first, and promotes work within the trust and internationally, in her own time. She is loved by her colleagues and her patients and their families alike, she takes time in her consultations, and ensures the families fully understand their diagnosis and their plan. She has a calm, understanding manner, and is always friendly and approachable. She provides education to nursing and medical teams in the trust and again internationally, just showing what an incredible force of nature she really is. I cannot sing her praises enough.
Dr Giles Richardson
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Excellent colleagues to work with, always approachable, sympathetic and caring, good listener
Dr Andy Robinson
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Lovely to work with , very supportive and willing to help
Dr Rebecca Rub
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – NORTHERN
A fantastic colleague, works in challenging situations as the eating disorder lead. Is thorough, kind and often has time to discuss cases. Thank you Rebecca!
Dr Helen Sammons
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – NORTHERN
Helen is a fantastic consultant who is always very pragmatic and empathetic with her decision making for children and young people. She is very knowledgeable particularly around pharmacology and neurology, and is very willing to offer teaching around this. She has been very supportive of junior registrars rotating through NDDH.
A fantastic colleague. I learn so much from the way she manages situations always seems to have time to talk. Acknowledges uncertainty but will know where to signpost you to.
Helen is always so dedicated to helping the patients and their families, especially with regards to the epilepsy side of things.
Dr Sammons is fun, excellent consultant who has a wide knowledge base and is fantastic with all things epilepsy. She has cannulated patients on ward round, helped with documentation and has a brilliant team player attitude.
Dr Natasha Sauven
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Tash is a brilliant consultant and amazing person. She is unfailingly supportive to colleagues and trainees on both career and personal levels. She is proactive and thoughtful in planning opportunities to further training and improve skills of trainees. She finds and shares ways of meeting training needs while also improving services for patients.
She is passionate about patient care, building new services from the ground up, such as the new ARFID service launched earlier this year, and supporting new approaches such as the community outreach and support team (COAST) to facilitate eating disorder management at home. She advocates continuously for the adolescent group of patients.
Tash builds amazing personal relationships with her patients and families, working with them through very difficult situations, sometimes with weekly input for a long time. She will always make time to manage a phone call, meeting or ad hoc review to help her patients.
While managing all of this, she is friendly and approachable, and always has time to chat or listen to a colleague or trainee with any form of problem. She will offer practical and emotional support, and goes above and beyond to ensure those things happen. It doesn’t matter how busy she is, she will find time for everyone, from every part of the MDT.
Tash is an amazing consultant who inspires those around her. She deserves so much recognition for the work she does.
Dr Georgina Selby
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Always involves all team members in teaching, patient care and decision making. Makes others working with her feel appreciated. Great team leader and team player.
Dr Tom Siese
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Tom has been a huge asset to Plymouth, he has taken on the role of Mental Health lead and helped implement monthly Mental Health Supervision sessions which are proving to be popular. As well this his main role is Diabetes and weight management. Within both these roles and the Mental Health he is passionate about the care the patients receive, he makes clear and decisive plans that makes admissions clear for the patient, their families and the rest of the MDT. He is proactive in education and will happily be found explaining scenarios to nursing or medical staff. As part of this he has also been instrumental in leading and developing some Mental Health Crisis SIMS to help enhance knowledge across all areas of the MDT.
The time and passion Tom gives to his patients is exemplary, even when he doesn’t always have the easiest of patients. He shows real dedication and fulfilment to his role as a Consultant, educating his patients and their families to aid a more healthy approach to life. As part of the team working with Tom you know you are going to be encouraged and supported all the way.
Dr Rowan Stanbury
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Rowan is approachable, organised and clinically excellent. It is always lovely to work an acute shift with her as you know you will be well supported. Rowan has a lovely manner with children and their families and even in the most tricky consultations can keep everyone on side. She gives feedback constructively and actively provides positive praise which helps foster a great working environment.
Rowan has taken over as CT and really thrown herself into the roll as a strong advocate for trainees. Sitting between community paediatrics and acute she has an excellent understanding of both departments and acts as a bridge. In addition she is fantastic with patients and their families.
Dr Justin Thuraisingham
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
I enjoy all my shifts with Justin. He has a lovely manner with patients and families who all love him. He is friendly and approachable and all colleagues enjoy working with him. He is very knowledgeable and keen to teach. He will help juniors get extra experience and learn, prompting them to make plans on ward round or PAU. He helps trainees develop clinical skills. He leads well in an emergency and ensues the team is supported after difficult events and offers opportunities to debrief. He is the kind of consultant I aspire to be one day.
Justin is a fantastic part of our consultant team – my only complaint is that he isn’t based down in paediatrics ;o)
He comes to the ward with a smile on his face, he treats all staff kindly and with professionalism and is so supportive of his peers.
When explaining things to parents and children, he is calm and is good at articulating things in a way they can understand.
Dr Richard Tomlinson
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
An absolute pleasure to work with. Supportive to all of the MDT. Fantastic teacher and advocate to his patients and staff.
Nursing staff feel reassured when they see Richard is on service. Speaks to everyone as an individual and happy to listen to everyone’s ideas and input in patient care.
Thank you for all your support Richard.
Dr Rachel Varnam
Works at Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Rachel is an exceptional ED consultant. She is always keen to educate her colleagues in a friendly and supportive way. Rachel is passionate about emergency care and this is evident in her practice. She is a wonderful support to everyone who needs it. Rachel is amazing to work alongside. She is reassuring, kind and brings humour (appropriately!) to her work. Colleagues and patients alike feel safe and well-cared for when she is working.
Her ability to lead a team well and teach junior members of the team is outstanding. She is a true role model for all of her colleagues.
I am nominating Dr. Rachel Varnam for the Consultant Hero Award (yes, she is an EM Consultant, not Paediatric Consultant), recognising her exceptional contributions to emergency medicine and her unwavering dedication to patient care, particularly within paediatrics.
Dr. Varnam exemplifies the qualities of a true hero in her field. Her commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care is evident in every aspect of her work. In the fast-paced environment of the emergency department, she consistently demonstrates outstanding clinical skills, quickly assessing and managing complex cases while ensuring that each patient receives the attention and care they deserve.
Her collaborative approach with the nursing team sets her apart as a leader within the ED. Dr. Varnam fosters an environment of open communication, encouraging teamwork and respect among colleagues. She actively engages with nursing staff, allied health professionals, and other specialists, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. Her ability to unite the team enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the department.
Dr. Varnam is also a passionate advocate for her patients. She goes above and beyond to ensure that their voices are heard, addressing their concerns with empathy and understanding. Her dedication to patient-centered care not only improves outcomes but also helps to create a supportive environment for patients and their families during difficult times.
In addition to her clinical excellence, Dr. Varnam is committed to education and mentorship. She actively contributes to the training of nurses, nursing students and junior doctors, sharing her extensive knowledge and experience. Her encouragement and guidance inspire the next generation of medical professionals, reinforcing the importance of compassionate care in emergency medicine.
Dr Nagendra Venkata
Works at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – EASTERN
Always kind and always calm but fearless when he has to face battles for patients wellbeing against bureaucracy.
Impressively knowledge and keen to share his knowledge. Lovely person
Dr Chris Warren
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Chris is a great colleague. He is very supportive, he always sees the bigger picture and simplifies any issue you may have! His clinical knowledge is excellent as well as his clinical skills! He is a good leader but also works well within our team.
Back to all categories
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We use the nomination text and categories as provided by those who submit the nomination.
If there are any issues with the nomination pages (errors, people placed in the wrong category or any other concerns) please email s.janoff@nhs.net
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We will use the following criteria for creating the shortlist and choosing the final winner:
Consultant Hero
1. Demonstrates excellence in fulfilment of their work
2. Demonstrates excellence in education of colleagues and trainees
3. Demonstrates exemplary team working and support to peers
4. Demonstrates excellence in their interaction with patients and their families
5. Embodies the values of RCPCH
PAFTAs 