STAFF and volunteers from Essex hospitals are celebrating after being named finalists in the sixth annual Shine Awards, following a record‑breaking year of nominations.

The awards, which saw more than 1,000 entries, recognise exceptional care and compassion across Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals, as well as their community hospital sites.

The shortlists for the 10 award categories feature 30 individuals and teams from across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, whose dedication continues to shape patient care every single day.

Deputy Chief Executive and Head Judge, Dawn Scrafield, said: "Our finalists represent the very best of who we are. Across all the entries, we heard countless stories that remind us why we should celebrate the outstanding contributions and personal commitment shown by our staff and volunteers.

"Each finalist has shown exceptional dedication, compassion and professionalism, sometimes in the most challenging circumstances. Reading their stories is truly inspiring – a reminder of the remarkable care taking place across our hospitals every day. It is a privilege to recognise their achievements and an honour to serve as Head Judge."

The Shine Awards ceremony will take place in October, where winners from each category will be announced.

The main sponsor for the awards is South Ockenden's HW Wilson Limited, with Attain Health Management Service Ltd, CPW and Laser Electrical also sponsoring the event.

The 2026 Shine Awards finalists are:

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Spotlight award

• Ambreen Gul, Consultant Cardiologist
• Chaplaincy team
• Nicola Vincent, Communications Manager

Partnership award

• Adult Speech and Language Therapy teams at Basildon and Southend hospitals
• Brachytherapy team at Southend Hospital
• Chirag Kiran and Alisha Hunt, Speech and Language therapists

Leadership award

• Beverley McMahon, Deputy Director of Operations
• Hanif Motiwala, Consultant Urologist
• Kylie Locke, Deputy Director of Nursing

Improving Value award

• Cardiothoracic Therapies team at Basildon Hospital
• Dr Dominic Atraszkiewicz, Emergency Medicine
• Sarah Cridland, Pelvic Health Midwife

Patient Champion award

• Chiagoziem Muogbo (aka Pascal), Therapy team lead
• Jodie Cummings-Sorrell, Community Midwife Team Manager
• Sarah Folan, Macmillan Palliative Care/Acute Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care

Making a Difference award

• Alfred Ball, Core Training Year 2 Anaesthetics
• Helen Cullen, Ward Manager
• Rosie Newman, Consultant Midwife

Rising Star award

• Eve Dobson, Chemotherapy Practitioner
• Harriet King, Neonatal Staff Nurse
• Madeline Haley, Staff Nurse

Outstanding Achievement award (individual)

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• Adjany Bohorquez, Consultant
• Claire Ware, Cancer Pathway Tracker
• Rian Dawson, Senior Sister

Outstanding Achievement award (team)

• Children's Burns ward, Broomfield Hospital
• Paediatrics, Southend Hospital
• Waste team, Southend Hospital

Volunteer of the Year award

• Andrew and Coco the therapy dog
• Care Cars
• Children's Burns Club volunteers