This is the list of clinical staff who work with children and parents as part of the wider multidisciplinary team who were nominated for showing exceptional commitment, ability and inspiring their colleagues.
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Gillian Ashton
Works at North Devon District Hospital
Gill is an outstanding dietitian whose expertise and compassion have made an enormous difference to our neonatal unit. She goes above and beyond to support babies, families, and staff, always bringing warmth, calm, and reassurance. Her collaborative approach and willingness to share knowledge empower the whole team to deliver the very best nutritional care. Gill is not only highly skilled but also deeply kind — a true asset to our unit and an inspiration to everyone who works with her.
Lillie Baker
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Lillie is a paediatric specialist support worker based at the CDC in Plymouth, and working with CYP with neurodivergence, particularly ADHD. I started to work with Lillie around the complex care of a hospital patient. Lillie has been flexible, patient-centred and an amazing team player. She has been able to build a rapport with a patient over time, build up a detailed understanding of their needs and share this with the team so that we can refine a more patient centred care plan. She has gone the extra mile and been someone we have all relied on (not only our team, but also the young person and their family). I have learned a lot from working with Lillie. She is a great colleague and a powerful patient advocate.
Fern Bamford-Elsdon
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Fern is a fantastic pharmacist whose deep knowledge, positive presence and unwavering commitment make a meaningful difference every day. She consistently demonstrates excellence in the fulfilment of her work with children and families, ensuring that every patient receives safe, thoughtful and timely care. Her dedication is evident in the way she goes above and beyond to support families, always striving to make their experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.
In her interactions with both colleagues and patients, Fern brings warmth, humour and professionalism. She is always happy to help wherever she can, and her approachable nature means people feel comfortable seeking her guidance. Her supportive manner and clear, knowledgeable advice demonstrate excellence in her interactions with colleagues and patients, building trust and strengthening teamwork across the board.
Fern’s presence empowers those around her. Whether explaining medication plans, offering a quick piece of expert advice, or simply boosting morale with her cheerful smile, she empowers, enables and encourages her colleagues through her work. She lifts the spirits of the team while also enhancing their confidence and understanding.
Despite the challenges she may face, Fern consistently puts her best foot forward. She shows resilience, compassion and a genuine commitment to patient care. In her positivity, professionalism and dedication, she truly embodies the values of the RCPCH, placing the wellbeing of children, young people and families at the heart of everything she does.
Fern is not only a brilliant pharmacist—she is a joy to work with and an invaluable part of the team.
Holly Barker
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Holly is our Paediatric pharmacist and is an absolute asset, and a huge credit to the team. She is unbelievably knowledgable, always helpful, and good fun! Thanks Holly!
Holly is an absolute gem of a pharmacist and a true hero of the Bramble team. Her dedication to children and their families is second to none — whether she’s chasing down urgent meds, deciphering a MAR chart masterpiece, or working her magic to get TTOs sorted for a smooth discharge, she does it all with a smile. Holly doesn’t just do her job — she lifts the whole ward while doing it. Her bubbly, friendly energy is infectious, and you always feel that little bit more confident (and cheerful!) when she’s around. She’s not just a medication expert, she’s a walking, talking, teaching machine! Holly goes out of her way to share her knowledge, whether it’s helping a junior nurse understand complex oncology treatments, answering endless questions without hesitation, or hosting mini teaching moments that leave everyone feeling smarter. She’s the definition of approachable, no question is too small, no ask is too much, and somehow she always makes time, no matter how busy she is (and let’s face it — she’s always busy!). Holly doesn’t just support her team, she empowers them. Her presence on the ward is calming, her professionalism shines, and her commitment to safe, effective care is inspiring. From pharmacy to bedside, she bridges the gap and makes a real difference. She truly embodies the values of the RCPCH, and if there’s a walking example of a Multidisciplinary HERO, it’s Holly. Bramble is better, and brighter — because of her!
Holly is friendly, positive and always with kind attitude, I can always guarantee that she always willing to help all the nurses and doctor around the ward with advice and support as Pharmaceutics . We are luck to have Holly as our pharmaceutic.
Among colleagues, Holly is known for her warm, approachable nature and her consistently high standard of professional practice. Whether troubleshooting complex medication issues, she reliably offers clear, thoughtful guidance. Her conduct demonstrates excellence in her interactions with colleagues and patients, always fostering an atmosphere of trust, respect and calm confidence.
Holly is also a natural teacher. She takes the time to explain how medications work—particularly in the specialised and challenging world of oncology—helping colleagues not only understand but feel empowered in their clinical decision-making. Through her patience, encouragement and willingness to share her knowledge, she empowers, enables and encourages her colleagues through her work, strengthening the entire multidisciplinary team.
A true team player, Holly goes above and beyond to ensure medicines are safely and efficiently sorted for all patients. She embodies reliability, compassion and integrity, and is always happy to offer a listening ear when someone needs a chat. In all that she does, she embodies the values of the RCPCH, consistently placing children, young people and families at the heart of her practice.
Holly is not just an excellent pharmacist—she is an exceptional colleague and an invaluable asset to the team.
Gemma Burley
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Gemma has always demonstrated excellence in her patient-centred approach to children with diabetes and their families, within her main clinical role. She is a valued member of the paediatric diabetes multidisciplinary team, with a wealth of expertise particularly in exercise management in type 1 diabetes. She is approachable, non-judgemental, and absolutely committed to achieving the best for each and every child on her caseload.
Gemma also excels as the team lead for paediatric dietetics at Royal Cornwall. She is an incredibly caring, supportive and empathetic manager. She goes above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of every team member, particularly when facing challenging personal circumstances; I feel incredibly lucky to have her as my line manager!
Gemma has also made great efforts to promote paediatrics as a speciality within the wider dietetic resource. She has created two of the first dietetic apprenticeship posts in Cornwall, and continues to support our two paediatric dietetic apprentices through their work and studies. Gemma has also recently supported two return to practice dietitians to regain their registration via paediatric placements. Additionally, she created a program of paediatric study days for newly-qualified adult dietitians to increase their knowledge and awareness of paediatric specialities and career opportunities. All of these efforts have contributed to the paediatric team being one of the strongest and most resilient workforces in the county.
Jen Calvert
Works at North Devon District Hospital
Lead dietitian and an all round great colleague. Always greets you with a smile and seems to have time for you!
Steph Camden-Entwistle
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Steph is one of our play specialists on the children’s ward and is a joy to work with. Every day she will stop by to say hello and assess which patients may need her support. Communication is her strong point- she’s always just at the end of the phone and will endeavour let us know if something may delay her, allowing us to plan patient care better. During procedures she has such a calm and reassuring manner with our patients and families which undoubtedly makes the experience better for them and certainly makes our jobs easier. She is a polite, hard-working and kind team player. Thank you Steph for all you do.
Leanne Colvill
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Leanne is one of our play specialists at RCHT and she is such a lovely colleague to work with. She consistently keeps the interests of our patients at heart is often seen carrying various toys and activities onto the ward with a big smile on her face. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her not smiling! Leanne not only ensures all our patients are reassured, calmed, distracted and entertained, but also is not averse to occasionally providing entertainment for staff too (distraction toys work wonders for stressful shifts!) No request for play therapy is too much and her positive, calming presence during procedures is of such huge support and benefit to both patients and staff. Thank you Leanne!
Ruth Cundyrowse
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Ruth is one of our paediatric physiotherapists. Ruth is a role-model for leading and teaching. On the ward, Ruth is always happy to take doctors, other physios and nursing staff along to do assessments of patients. She shares her expertise through teaching colleagues and does so with enthusiasm and joy. Ruth very easily earns the trust and respect of parents and patients meaning she is able to influence their behaviours to encourage positive outcomes. I find that Ruth is a treasure to have when seeing a family who are challenging the medical staff: Ruth’s attitude, knowledge and personality quickly diffuse most situations. I find that parents and caregivers with children of long-term conditions identify Ruth as an essential part of the clinical team caring for their child. Ruth goes above and beyond when ensuring patients get the best care on our wards. There is no doubt in my mind that if I was a child requiring physiotherapy support that I would want Ruth to be the one providing it.
Charlotte Drake
Works at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
Lottie is such a fabulous addition to our neonatal team. Really hard working, so empathetic with families and always going the extra mile to deliver holistic care. She is supportive and keen to share her knowledge.
Lottie is always cheerful and pleasant. She is a valued member of our wider team who is excellent at advocating for the children and families who are referred to her for support. She provides clear and concise information and works closely with families enabling them to take the lead in developing individualised care plans for their children.
She has delivered engaging and informative training sessions for staff within the neonatal unit over the last few years and is always willing to provide advice support and guidance to those who need it.Lottie is an exceptional Speech and Language Therapist. She brings expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm to every aspect of her work and the neonatal team would be lost without her! Lottie’s enthusiasm and commitment shines through in everything she does, from teaching colleagues and supporting parents to advocating for her patients on the unit. Her calm manner, clear communication, and genuine passion for improving outcomes make her an invaluable member of the multidisciplinary team.
Fiona Eckford
Works at North Devon District Hospital
As our local extended scope physio for children she’s brilliant. Thorough and practical. Thanks for all your do!
Jade Hanson
Works at Other (please specify in nomination)
Jade is one of the fantastic managers of the Children and Young People’s Eating Disorder Service in CFT. She truly cares for her team and the families and young people we work with. While a dietitian by registration she is that and even more, embodying leadership in a way few teams are lucky enough to have. While she often has the answers and could so easily just dictate what needs to happen, she encourages and supports us to find our own solutions, sharing ideas when appropriate but also empowering us and helping us recognise our own potential so that we can help the families and people we work with more effectively.
Tanya Martin
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Tanya is an exceptional paediatric dietitian whose warmth, humour, and professionalism make her an invaluable member of both the diabetes team and the wider paediatric department. She combines deep clinical expertise with genuine compassion, providing thoughtful, evidence-based care to children and their families.
Tanya is flexible and approachable, always willing to listen, adapt, and offer support — qualities that make her a trusted colleague and a favourite among patients and families alike. She can be relied upon to bring humour and joy to every meeting.
Alongside her new colleague Gemma, Tanya has been instrumental in implementing carbohydrate counting at diagnosis — working hard to improve the experience and outcomes for newly diagnosed families. She has also developed excellent educational resources for both the diabetes team and the wider paediatric service, enhancing learning and consistency of care across the department.
Tanya is a generous educator and role model, welcoming new staff with kindness and humour, and creating an environment where learning and teamwork thrive. Her blend of expertise, compassion, and good humour perfectly embodies the RCPCH values and the very best of paediatric multidisciplinary care.
Tanya is simply a joy to work with — skilled, dependable, inspiring, and genuinely lovely.
Amy Newton
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Amy is a highly deserving nominee for recognition in her role as a Play Specialist. She consistently demonstrates excellence in her work with children and families, going above and beyond to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and cared for—especially during moments of fear or uncertainty.
Amy embodies the very essence of what it means to be a Play Specialist. She brings joy, creativity, and comfort to the children she works with, often rearranging her own commitments to be present for those in need. Her dedication to making hospital experiences less intimidating and more engaging is truly commendable.
In addition to her outstanding work with patients, Amy excels in her interactions with colleagues. She is a strong advocate for children and families, and her collaborative spirit contributes positively to the wider healthcare team. Her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable asset and a role model within her field.Amy is a wonderful play care assistant ,she will come to the ward when asked she makes sure she trys to get around to see all the children to see if they need any toys or games , she will spend time with the children with complex needs and take the time to find out their needs , she chats to parents gives them reassurance will make them a drink if they are upset and spend time with them ,she calms children down with her play therapy box when they need reassurance from being scared or anxious about certain procedures that they have to have done ,she checks with staff first about their needs and what her role needs to be ,she has a lovely calm aura about her that any child will feel relaxed in her hands ,she is also very professional in her role ,she is an all round very likeable person and great at her job ,
Fiona Smith
Works at North Devon District Hospital
A fantastic dietitian. Thorough and kind. Works really well with the coeliac and children with excess weight.
Emma Tibbetts
Works at University Hospitals Plymouth
Emma is the Eating Disorder Specialist Nurse for Level 12, and she has been an invaluable addition to our team. Her arrival has filled a long-standing need on the ward, and she has seamlessly integrated into her role with exceptional professionalism, compassion, and skill.
Emma consistently demonstrates excellence in her work with children and families, providing expert care and support that make a real difference to patients’ recovery and wellbeing. She also excels in her interactions with colleagues, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that strengthens the whole team.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Emma dedicates significant time to teaching and educating staff about eating disorders. She regularly facilitates reflective sessions, providing opportunities for staff to debrief after challenging situations and to continuously improve the quality of care provided. Through this, she empowers, enables, and encourages her colleagues to develop their confidence and competence.
Emma truly embodies the values of the RCPCH, leading by example through her compassion, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Her impact on both patients and staff has been profound, and she is an outstanding role model within our team.
Gemma Wright
Works at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Gemma is an invaluable member of our cardiac team. She has pioneered our cardiac scientist lead service which is ever expanding and the envy of the South West. Her experience and knowledge are amazing and we are so lucky to have her. She is passionate about her role and ensuring the cardiac patients can be seen quickly and efficiently and by the right person. She has tremendous drive and determination to succeed and it is down to this that her service is expanding, and she has quickly become a major part of our team.
But it is also wonderful to work with Gemma, she is fun, has a lot of energy and this is infective. She is incredibly flexible and dependable and always keen and ready to get involved and help. With one incredibly sick baby recently she was outstanding helping us get the right treatment in the quickest time scale. Being able to call on her and know she is there to help is fantastic. We look forward to supporting her service development master plan ( i know she has one!!!) and building on this – to even more envy of the other south west units!
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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:
Multidisciplinary Hero:
1. Demonstrates excellence in fulfilment of their work with children and families.
2. Demonstrates excellence in their interactions with colleagues and patients
3. Empowers, enables and encourages their colleagues through their work.
4. Embodies the values of RCPCH*
PAFTAs 