Outstanding nursing and midwifery staff celebrated

Friday 15 May 2026


Award winner Paige Mitchell flanked by Avey Bhatia and Karen Bonner

Professor Avey Bhatia, Paige Mitchell and Karen Bonner

Nursing and midwifery staff who have gone above and beyond for their patients and colleagues over the last year have been recognised at Guy’s and St Thomas’.

Now in its 11th year, the Trust’s annual Nursing and Midwifery Awards received more than 700 nominations across 26 categories.

Chief Nurse Professor Avey Bhatia hosted the awards ceremony, with speakers and presenters including Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, Karen Bonner, Regional Chief Nurse, and Felicia Kwaku, Chair of the Mary Seacole Trust.

Paige Mitchell, a sister from the chemotherapy day unit in the Cancer Centre at Guy’s, was presented with the Patients’ Choice Award.

Paige, who was inspired to become an even better nurse after caring for her nan, said: “There truly are not enough words for the people I work alongside every day. The compassion, humour, strength and love within that team is something really special. We walk beside people through some of the darkest moments of their lives, yet somehow our patients are still the ones thanking us. It is the greatest privilege I will ever have.”

Matron of the Year went to Sara Collingridge who works in the surgery team at Harefield Hospital. Fair, consistent, and deeply professional, Sara works tirelessly to ensure the highest standards of care, always placing patients at the heart of every decision.

Alice Bradley was named Evelina London Midwife of the Year. She was recognised for playing a pivotal role in shaping a new Transitional Care Unit that prioritises keeping mothers and babies together and reducing unnecessary separation from neonatal care.

Community Nurse of the Year went to Rehema Hussain for her unwavering dedication to safeguarding, working tirelessly to ensure that children are protected, heard, and advocated for, always keeping their best interests at the centre of practice.

Professor Avey Bhatia, Chief Nurse for Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Each nomination tells a story of care, leadership, innovation, teamwork, and commitment that truly reflects the very best of nursing and midwifery across our Trust.

“Our profession has a rich history at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and we’re incredibly proud of our colleagues for the care, expertise and compassion they bring to patients and teams every day.”

Rehema Hussain walks to receive her award

Community Nurse of the Year, Rehema Hussain

The award-winning nursing and midwifery staff for 2026.

Category

Winner

Trust Nurse or Midwife of the Year

Emily Van Hagen

Practice Development Nurse or Midwife / Clinical Educator of the Year

Keannu Arnoco

Dental Nurse of the Year

Emma Kay

Community Nurse / Midwife of the Year

Rehema Hussain

Research Engagement Award

Daryl Urmeneta

Consultant Nurse or Midwife of the Year

Siobhan Pender

Research Nurse or Midwife of the Year

Daisy Hubble

Maternity Support Worker of the Year

Monica Lawson

Patients’ Choice Award

Paige Mitchell

Student Nurse, Midwife, or Nursing Associate Trainee / Dental Nurse Apprenticeship of the Year

Elizabeth Daisi

Nursing Assistant / Community Rehabilitation or Community Support Worker of the Year

Daniela Merlin

Nursing Associate of the Year

Osamokunwa Iyamu-Ekiro

Specialist Nurse of the Year

Dr Hemangi Chavan

Kofoworola Abeni Pratt Inclusion Award

Prostate Clinical Nurse Specialist team

Nurse / Midwife Researcher of the Year

Lily Benton

Senior Leadership Award

Isabelle Manning

Evelina London Children’s Nurse of the Year

Chinonyelum Wilson

Evelina London Midwife of the Year

Alice Bradley

Integrated and Specialist Medicine Nurse of the Year

Suzanne Hill

Cancer and Surgery Nurse of the Year (Joint Winners)

Freya Whitehead and Rebecca Schieren

Heart, Lung and Critical Care Nurse of the Year

Linda Green

Sister, Midwife, or Charge Nurse of the Year

Irvin Misador

Matron of the Year

Sara Collingridge

Rising Star of the Year

Soliat Hamzat

Team of the Year

Chemotherapy Day Unit

Nightingale Fellowship Award

Joan Barbara Novio

Chief Nurse’s Award

Mala Karasu

Last updated: May 2026

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