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
Yolanda takes the time on a busy service week to give bitesize teaching sessions, she is always enthusiastic and takes the time to give feedback unprompted which is great to receive after a busy shift!
One of the worst situations of this year and I couldn’t have been more relieved to have had you as my consultant.
Your support post the incident really got me through afterwards and helped me to process properly, showing that being upset and having emotions about a situation makes us human and is just as important as the medical situation in front of us! Thank you so much! You are an incredible consultant and colleague!
Yolanda is so deserving of this nomination. This past year has brought enormous challenges, particularly with one very complex patient, yet throughout it all, she has shown incredible strength, compassion, and dedication. No matter how difficult things became, Yolanda never wavered in her commitment to providing the very best care. She truly gives her heart and soul to her patients.
During an especially tough period on the ward, Yolanda went above and beyond not only for her patients but also for the whole team. She took the time to educate, support, and guide staff through an incredibly demanding situation, ensuring that everyone felt confident and capable of providing the best possible care. Her leadership and compassion lifted those around her when morale was low, and she brought calm and reassurance during moments of great stress.
Yolanda’s advocacy for her patients is unwavering. She fights for what they need and always seeks out every possible avenue of support. Her empathy and honesty shine through in her interactions with patients and their families — she speaks with truth and kindness, building trust and helping families feel seen, heard, and supported.
She truly embodies the values of the RCPCH — compassion, integrity, excellence, and dedication. Yolanda is the kind of consultant who inspires everyone around her. Her courage, kindness, and determination have made an enormous difference not only to her patients but to her colleagues as well.
Yolanda doesn’t just do her job — she gives her whole self to it, every single day. She is, without a doubt, a true Consultant Hero.
Yolanda is truly our Consultant Hero, and we are so lucky to have her on Level 12. She is an incredible leader, an inspiring clinician, and a wonderful person who brings warmth, compassion, and positivity to everyone she works with.
Yolanda’s dedication to both her staff and her patients is exceptional. She always goes the extra mile — whether that’s staying late to support a colleague, taking extra time with a family in need, or ensuring her team feels valued and supported. Her kindness, humour, and enthusiasm lift the spirits of everyone around her, and she has an amazing ability to make even the toughest days feel that little bit easier.
Her clinical knowledge and expertise are outstanding, and she shares them so generously with her colleagues and trainees. Yolanda is an excellent teacher who creates a positive, supportive learning environment where everyone feels encouraged to grow and develop.
She demonstrates exemplary teamwork and collaboration, supporting her peers and fostering a strong sense of unity and respect across the multidisciplinary team. Her interactions with patients and their families are filled with empathy, patience, and genuine care — she always ensures they feel listened to and looked after.
Yolanda truly embodies the values of the RCPCH, demonstrating compassion, integrity, excellence, and leadership in all that she does. She is an inspiration to us all, and Level 12 wouldn’t be the same without her. Wildgoose are so grateful for her support over the last year in particular.
Dr Harriet Aughey
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Harriet is an inspiring and motivated member of the neonatal team. She has made significant contributions through her work with the NOAH project, helping to improve neonatal outcomes and enhance family support. She is also leading the improvements to our transitional care unit, ensuring that babies and their families receive the best family-centred care throughout their neonatal journey.
Harriet’s professionalism, empathy, and initiative make her a role model for her colleagues. She promotes a culture of clinical excellence, teamwork and patient-centered care. Her commitment, kindness and expertise really demonstrate the values celebrated by the PAFTA award and make her an amazing colleague to work with.
Harriet has set up and lead a brand new project supporting at home antibiotic therapy for our neonates. She has also been involved in setting up a Transitional Care unit.
Dr Chris Bell
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Chris is such a fantastic consultant to work with.
He is so knowledgable and never misses a teaching opportunity – I learn so much from his informal quizzing on ward rounds, as well as from his invaluable sim teaching that’s given me so much more confidence with NLS.
He is an empathetic, supportive colleague and always makes me feel like a valued member of the team.
I am inspired by his ability to balance being both fun and professional at the same time. I think his approachability and humour creates a safe, happy working environment that I am really grateful for.
Dr Emily Bell
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Emily is a fantastic consultant. She works incredibly hard, when on service and with her Respiratory hat on to ensure her patients and families get the best care possible. Emily is always supportive of her colleagues, both nursing and medical, and particularly resident doctors. Emily is fun and approachable, and I’m always thrilled to see her on the rota.
Dr Chloe Bulwer
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Chloe is always so helpful in organising experience in community child health for trainees in ST1 and ST2 and also does a fantastic job organising the medical school teaching. She is lovely to work with and a real ambasador for CCH!
Dr Helen Chaplin
Works at North Devon District Hospital
Has weath of knowledge and a fantastic colleague. Thanks for being part of our team.
Dr Dermot Dalton
Works at North Devon District Hospital
He leads by example, works hard and keeps us together. Thanks Dermot!
Dermot is an exceptional paediatric consultant and clinical lead whose kindness, expertise, and positivity inspire everyone around him. His calm presence and constant smile create a supportive and happy atmosphere for both staff and families. He leads by example — compassionate, approachable, and always willing to help. As an educator, he shares his knowledge with patience and enthusiasm, encouraging growth and confidence in trainees and colleagues. I feel very privileged to work with him.
Dr Tom Fontaine
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
I am honored to nominate Tom Fontaine for the Consultant Hero of the Year award. Throughout this year, Tom has demonstrated outstanding clinical expertise, unwavering leadership, and a level of compassion that truly defines what it means to be a hero in healthcare.
Tom has worked several exceptionally challenging shifts, including full resuscitations situations that demand precision, calm, and extraordinary skill. In every one of these moments, he has led with confidence and clarity, ensuring the highest level of care for our most vulnerable patients.
What sets Tom apart is not only his clinical excellence, but the humanity he brings to every shift. Even after the most intense and emotionally draining scenarios, Tom takes the time to check in with each nurse individually. He offers sincere thanks, acknowledges their hard work, and ensures their emotional wellbeing. His simple acts of kindness, given at times when he, too, must be exhausted, have made an enormous difference to team morale and resilience.
Tom Fontaine is more than an exceptional consultant. He is a compassionate leader, a steady source of support in crisis, and someone who consistently brings out the best in those around him. His impact is felt by staff, patients, and families alike, and he embodies the very essence of this award.
I can think of no one more deserving than Tom Fontaine.
Dr Tiziana Fragapane
Works at North Devon District Hospital
A great colleague to have. Is kind, caring and thorough.
Return from maternity leave after having twins. She has settled back in & adapted to her family life in a part time role. She is adapting to having two beautiful girls & still is a valued member of the consultant team. She is a great example to the junior team
Dr Jonathan Gallichan
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Jonathan is one of the most dedicated and reliable consultants I have had the pleasure of working with. Despite his huge epilepsy workload, he remains calm, approachable, and always gives his best for every patient.
He is an incredible teacher and mentor, sharing his knowledge generously with colleagues and trainees. His dry sense of humour and easy going nature make him a joy to work with and bring positivity to the whole team.
What truly stands out about Jonathan is how he listens—to both colleagues and families. He takes the time to hear their concerns, answers questions patiently, and ensures that care is always family-centred. Families feel supported, understood, and involved, and it’s clear he genuinely cares about them as well as the patients.
Jonathan embodies the values of the RCPCH through his professionalism, kindness, and integrity. He sets a standard of excellence not just in his clinical work, but in the way he makes everyone around him feel valued and supported. He is a truly deserving candidate for this award.
Dr Sadiyah Gumi
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Very kindhearted and supportive
High quality teaching
You feel we supported when she is oncall
Very clear guidance
Encourage juniors to think and discuss their plans with respect
appreciate her team efforts
Dr Corinne Hayes
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Corinne is an exceptional oncology consultant whose strength, compassion and dedication have remained unwavering, even during an incredibly difficult year. Despite the challenges she has faced, she continues to give her absolute best to every child and family under her care. Her patients adore her, and families are always delighted to hear she is working. In every aspect of her role, Corinne demonstrates excellence in the fulfilment of her work, providing safe, thoughtful and deeply compassionate care.
Her kindness is extraordinary. Corinne goes above and beyond to bring comfort and joy to the children she cares for—sometimes in wonderfully creative ways that only those closest to her will fully recognise. Her willingness to bend the usual routines just a little, when it brings a moment of happiness to a child, speaks to her remarkable heart and commitment.
Corinne is also a gifted educator. She explains complex oncology concepts clearly and calmly, always taking the time to support colleagues and trainees. Through this, she demonstrates excellence in the education of colleagues and trainees, helping build confidence and understanding across the team.
As a colleague, she is deeply supportive. She offers reassurance, thoughtful advice and—when needed—the warmest hugs. Her presence is uplifting, and her teamwork demonstrates exemplary support to peers, creating a caring and collaborative environment.
Corinne’s interactions with patients and families are filled with empathy, honesty and warmth. She listens deeply, advocates fiercely and brings comfort during the hardest moments, consistently demonstrating excellence in her interaction with patients and their families.
In all she does, Corinne embodies the values of the RCPCH and remains an irreplaceable member of the oncology team.
Dr Katy Huxstep
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Katy is always happy to answer any queries and see children when I am not sure. She is able to explain clearly in language I can understand and is an absolute legend amongst families with children with cardiac conditions.
Dr Alison Janzen
Works at Torbay & South Devon
Alison Janzen should hands win this for being the most glamourous Paediatric consultant that all the juniors aspire to be like. She enters every situation calmly and elegantly from clinic, to the ward round to paediatric emergencies.
She is also super knowledgeable and always takes every opportunity for teaching the team. Her management plans are safe and well reasoned and she often seeks opinions and reflections from the team to ensure every decision is a team one-this is one of the signs of an excellent consultant.
Dr Eleanor Lawes
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Ellie is an inspiring consultant.
She is so friendly and fun to work with and it’s obvious that everyone in the MDT loves and respects her.
Despite being a ‘magnet’ for having some difficult shifts, I always feel safe working with Ellie and I would be so proud to lead a team like her one day. I talked about her inspiring leadership of a successful resuscitation in my Paeds interview!
The trainees are so grateful for her easy-to-understand explanations and plans, as well as the regular teaching sessions she provides. The sim sessions Ellie runs are invaluable to me and all of my confidence with NLS/preterm deliveries comes from this teaching.
Ellie is kind and approachable and I am so grateful for her pastoral support when I was having a really tough time. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive supervisor.
Dr Alison Markwick
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Alison is such a good consultant to work with as SpRs. She give you space to think about cases and make your own decisions, but is always there to talk things through with and never makes you feel like you’re wasting her time with questions. She works really hard to ensure the unit is safely staffed, and is very encouraging to the team. She is also very kind and compassionate towards her juniors, offering support and a listening ear when needed. She also gets to know babies’ families in a very “human” way, which makes them feel at ease on the unit, without being overbearing.
Alison is a delight to work with, always professional but with a friendly, personable attitude. She always takes the time to speak with her colleagues nursing and medical. She shares here vast knowledge with her colleagues and trainees, supporting junior colleagues with learning opportunities. She always takes the time to speak with the families in her care, supporting them through the tumultuous NICU journey. I always feel reassured when she is on shift
Dr Tim Mason
Works at North Devon District Hospital
For leading on MDT teaching and on training and supporting trainees as college tutor
Very supportive. Interested in teaching. Supportive for improving skills.
Dr Christine McMillan
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
She is consistently amazing doctor who is beloved and trusted and by patients, trainees and Colleague. Christine is a great team player and lovely to have around!
Dr Rachel Nicholls
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Rachel makes Paediatrics look so easy!
I am frequently in awe of her clinical and communication skills and she’s exactly the kind of consultant I hope to be in the future.
She always has a calm, warm bedside manner and is clearly loved by the whole team as well as the patients. I never feel like PAU gets chaotic when Rachel is there!
I always feel comfortable to ask questions and have learnt so much from Rachel’s clear explanations, plans and leadership and am really grateful to work with her.
Dr Simon Parke
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Simon is an exceptional oncology consultant whose expertise, compassion and humour make him stand out. Children love him—he brings laughter into challenging moments while switching to a serious and focused approach whenever required. Families often comment on how funny, kind and deeply compassionate he is, and how much reassurance he provides during incredibly difficult times. In all aspects of his role, Simon demonstrates excellence in the fulfilment of his work, ensuring every child receives safe, thoughtful and individualised care.
Simon is also an excellent educator. He consistently takes the time to explain complex oncology concepts in a clear, calm and approachable way. Colleagues and trainees value his guidance because he teaches with patience and real clinical insight. Through this, he demonstrates excellence in the education of colleagues and trainees, strengthening the knowledge and confidence of those around him.
As a teammate, Simon is unwaveringly supportive. He reassures nurses, doctors and allied professionals alike, creating a working environment where people feel respected and encouraged. His collaborative attitude demonstrates exemplary team working and support to peers, contributing to a strong and cohesive multidisciplinary team.
Simon’s interactions with patients and families are truly outstanding. He communicates with empathy, warmth and clarity, ensuring families feel heard, informed and supported, while helping children feel comfortable and safe. In this, he demonstrates excellence in his interaction with patients and their families.
In everything he does, Simon embodies the values of the RCPCH and remains an invaluable member of the oncology team. As a nurse who works closely with him, I can confidently say he is truly fantastic—an exceptional consultant and an invaluable part of the oncology team.
Dr Mel Philipps
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Mel is a brilliant departmental lead, truly working tirelessly to make the NICU a better place for families and babies. She is always willing to teach and is very approachable.
Dr Christopher Poh
Works at North Devon District Hospital
Highly resourceful, demonstrates excellent inter-personal skills in relating with colleagues & patients/ parents. Very supportive on the shop floor; a joy to work with!
A really good doctor and colleague. Kind and caring. Is genuinely holistic in his care. I learn a lot from him (although it may annoy him to fat this).
Dr Giles Richardson
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
I would like to nominate Dr. Giles Richardson for the Paediatric Consultant Hero Award. Dr. Richardson consistently demonstrates excellence in clinical care, education, and teamwork.
As a trainee, I find working with Dr. Richardson truly inspiring. He actively involves his juniors in ward rounds and patient management, encouraging us to think critically and contribute our ideas, especially in complex neonatal cases where there may not be a single right answer.
Dr. Richardson’s passion for teaching is exceptional. He takes every opportunity to explain clinical reasoning and management plans, transforming daily practice into valuable learning experiences. His enthusiasm motivates trainees to continually develop and strive for excellence.
Dr Tom Rootsey
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Tom is a great consultant to work with. He is supportive of his team, calm under pressure, and demonstrates excellent clinical as well as non-clinical skills. I always feel pleased when I know Tom will be on shift as I know I will be well supported and it will be a pleasant work environment.
Dr Helen Sammons
Works at North Devon District Hospital
A fantastic colleague who I never feel silly going to ask advice from. I also know i’ll get a considered sensible answer. Works tirelessly for all patients including the children with epilepsy.
A great colleague to have. Appreciate that she makes time to discuss epilepsy cases and offered practical advice. Had the thankless task of senior rota “overseer” does this fairly and well.
Dr Donna Sellick
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Donna took on her role as consultant for children and young people’s eating disorders at RCHT this last year, and to put it simply she has been an amazing addition to the paediatric team! Although new to eating disorders she has jumped in with both feet and you would never guess she hasn’t been in the role for years. Even on her non eating disorder days she is always happy to help where she can and support the community eating disorders team with urgent problems.
The feedback from our team who have joined her in her eating disorder clinics has told a story of a calm, kind, and wise consultant, who respects the information and insight of everyone involved and is happy to teach when appropriate without lecturing anyone. We are truly lucky to have gained such a wonderful consultant for eating disorders.
Dr Muhammad Shahjehan
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Shahj is a great colleague- always happy to offer advice whether its professional or something closer to the heart (pun intended). He is reflective and dedicated to his patients and willing to go the extra mile when necessary. He is methodical and fair and does a great job in managing the rota on top of other responsibilities.
Dr Neha Sharma
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Consultant Neonatologist & Service Line Educational Lead, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and SoNAR South Neonatal Transport Services, Dr Neha Sharma is an inspiring and compassionate leader whose dedication to education, innovation, and team wellbeing makes her the heart of our neonatal unit. As the driving force behind POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound), she has developed local guidelines and has been training doctors and nurses in performing lung, brain, gut, and kidney scans — all in the best interests of our newborns. As lead of the teaching rota, Dr Sharma ensures continuous learning through an excellent programme of daily teaching sessions, inviting speakers from around the world and motivating staff to share knowledge.She actively encourages professional development, supporting poster presentations and even rewarding achievements with thoughtful incentives.
Despite her busy national roles with the RCPCH, GMC, and NIPE S4N, she remains deeply caring and approachable, always checking in on colleagues, offering guidance, and fostering a nurturing environment where everyone feels supported. Dr Sharma’s exceptional dedication, kindness, and commitment to advancing neonatal education and care make her a truly deserving Unsung Hero of the Year.
Dr Tom Siese
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Tom is highly deserving of the award of Consultant Hero, consistently demonstrating excellence in clinical care, education, teamwork, and patient engagement.
In his diabetes work, he provides expert care for children with both new and ongoing diagnoses, working seamlessly with the wider diabetes team. His clinical expertise and excellent bedside manner ensure patients and families receive coordinated, compassionate, and family-centred care.
Within the CEW clinic, Tom has played a key role in developing a more streamlined pathway for patients at higher risk. Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, he integrates physical and mental wellbeing into individualised care plans, providing practical and empathetic guidance that empowers families to make lasting positive changes.
Over the past year, he has managed a range of very challenging cases. Despite this, he has remained consistently proactive in supporting colleagues. As the department’s mental health lead, he organises supervision sessions to support staff following stressful clinical events, fostering resilience and team cohesion.
Tom is also a dedicated educator and supervisor, taking time during a busy workload to ensure his trainees are well supported. Families consistently praise his empathy, clarity, and respect. His outstanding contributions to patient care, education, and team leadership make him a truly deserving candidate for the PAFTA award.
Dr JP Smith
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
JP is really passionate about safeguarding and does an excellent job as our safeguarding lead, encouraging high quality practice, and supporting the rest of the team. He is great to work with on the ward and really efficient! He is great with families and works well with the wider paediatric team.
Dr Rowan Stanbury
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Rowan is a superstar consultant. Always so friendly and approachable. As college tutor she has been passionate about improving trainee experience and providing support. No matter the workload, you always know it is going to be a good shift if Rowan is on the ward or PAU.
Dr Justin Thuraisingham
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Justin is just the best! Calm, cool and kind. Always happy to help. A genuinely lovely person who is fantastic working with the team, being really approachable and a strong leader, giving confidence to the team, but welcoming all views. Justin is great with parents on the neonatal unit and children of all ages in PAU.
Dr Richard Tomlinson
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Richard is an inspirational colleague. He is always approachable and supportive on the ward and looks out for his team. The families that he looks after as long term outpatient are always so grateful for his care and support.
Dr Nagendra Venkata
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Nagendra is a highly dedicated, thorough and committed consultant. His sixth sense was spot on for a patient we recently cared for together and I was so grateful for this as the on call registrar. I would never hesitate to approach him for advice and feel his responses are always highly considered and thorough.
Where do i start. Nagendra, you are amazing! Your determination and sheer knowledge towards every you do is outstanding.
Nagendra is a fantastic consultant who supports others and always manages the medical team with a level headed approach. He is extremely calm and reliable in stressful situations and empowers others to progress in their role.
Nothing is too much or too little, no matter whether you are a doctor, nurse, HCA, secretary, ward clerk, etc he always has time to answer any questions and support you.
I have been on the neonatal unit for nearly 2 years now, and feel very lucky to have been supported by such an amazing representative of the neonatal team.
Thankyou for everything you do Nagendra! it doesn’t go un-noticed
Dr Chris Williams
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Calm and approachable, thorough, listens well to patients and colleagues. Lovely to work with!
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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 