Extraordinary NHS staff and volunteers recognised at awards

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held their Extraordinary People Awards ceremony on the evening of Friday 3 October 2025, to celebrate the incredible staff and volunteers who work across the Trust.

The awards are an important way to recognise the outstanding contribution that staff and volunteers make to care for patients and support colleagues.

Over 400 nominations were received from staff, patients and carers, and finalists came together for an awards ceremony at Sandy Park, Exeter where the winners were announced and presented with their awards.

Winners included pediatrician Dr Richard Tomlinson who has given expert care to our youngest patients over many decades and was described by his nominator as incredibly kind and caring. “He has been instrumental in our daughters care throughout her life so far. He has celebrated her successes, championed her needs and supported us through very difficult periods."

The Admiral Nursing Team North who were winners of the Clinical Team of the Year award, provide exceptional support for carers and families of patients living with dementia. Colleagues describe the achievements of the team as over and above, creating resilience among the wider healthcare services.

Sam Higginson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our Extraordinary People Awards allow us to hear about the amazing and inspirational work happening across the Trust. It’s an opportunity to recognise the hard work and commitment of staff across our services and celebrate the remarkable things they do.

"I would like to congratulate and thank all of our colleagues who received recognition for the difference they make to our patients, colleagues and local communities.

"Thank you also to everyone who took the time to nominate and celebrate the staff who make the Royal Devon such a special place.”

The event was fully funded by our generous corporate sponsors from the Royal Devon Staff Lottery, Nevada Construction, EX2 Group, Tusker, Dartline, Denhams Digital, WMS and SCC. We’re also grateful for contributions from Moore-Wilson and Serve and Protect Credit Union.

Pictured: ICU teams at North Devon District Hospital and Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital - winners of the Extraordinary Care Team Award nominated by the public.