Fintan, Becca, Millie and Willow O’Malley

Millie O’Malley was born on 27 September 2022 at just 22 weeks and 6 days, weighing 486g. Despite defying medical expectations, she sadly passed away in her parents’ arms 33 days later. On what would have been her second birthday, Millie’s dad, Fintan, ran a 330km ultramarathon across the West Pennine Moors – a distance symbolising the 33 days Millie lived and the infinite love he and her mum Becca hold for her.

Fintan raised over £32,000 with the support of his family and community, which has already helped purchase a video laryngoscope, with more equipment planned to support premature babies and their families.

Digital Autopsy

The Mortuary Service has pioneered the use of non-invasive CT scanning for post-mortem examinations, reducing the need for traditional autopsies and preserving dignity for the deceased. This innovation supports religious and ethical considerations, improves community trust, and speeds up death investigations; easing the burden on families.

In just nine months, 66.78% of post-mortems were completed via CT alone. The team’s collaboration with Manchester West Coronial Service and Digital Autopsy UK exemplifies Bolton’s commitment to compassionate, efficient, and values-led care.

Bereavement Nurses

Suzanne and Laura provide quiet, compassionate support to patients and families during the most difficult times. Their work includes hosting a monthly bereavement café, offering a safe space for support.

Most notably, they lead the planning of the Celebration of Life event, attended by over 60 bereaved relatives. Their thoughtful collaboration across teams created a beautiful, meaningful experience for families to remember loved ones.

They embody the Trust’s values, delivering patient and family-centred care with empathy, dedication, and heart.

Maha Othman, Biomedical Scientist

Maha leads with compassion, fairness and purpose, consistently championing inclusivity within Microbiology. After stepping into a permanent leadership role, she used her learning from the NHS NW Leadership Academy’s Lead Positive Champions course to create safe spaces for staff to discuss difference, incivility and lived experiences. Maha’s calm, evidence-based approach has helped the team address unconscious bias and co-create a behavioural charter. Her dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion has improved team cohesion, wellbeing and culture. Her positive attitude and uplifting spirit are infectious.

Angela McEwing, Chloe Gervis-Lloyd, Chris Vernon and Rachel Swanson-Walker

Rather than one individual, this shortlisting recognises a group of colleagues whose actions were defined by courage, compassion, and unity in the face of tragedy.

Four individual nominations were submitted for FABB Employee of the Month, each acknowledging their response when a colleague collapsed. Though one team member arrived first, it was the combined efforts of all four, some performing CPR without prior experience, and the support of each other that made a profound impact.

Sadly, their colleague did not survive. But their response was nothing short of heroic, and their actions reflected extraordinary care and compassion.

Rosie Connor, Deputy Divisional Director of Operations

Rosie is a fantastic leader, bringing together teams across different professional groups to support the delivery of patient-centred care.

She creates an environment where people feel safe to contribute, challenge, and ask for help. She builds trust, actively listens and sets a clear tone of mutual respect and accountability. It’s why colleagues respect her – not just because of her guidance, but because they feel genuinely heard.

Her approach has helped build a culture where expectations are clear, people are empowered to take ownership, and excellence is the standard.

Louise Calland, Principle Service Lead, Paediatric Dietetics

Louise is leading a sustainability-focused QI and CIP project to reduce plastic use in home enteral feeding. By introducing an invoice clerk, standardising product lists, and stopping single-use plastics and over-ordering, the project is cutting costs and environmental impact. Changes are being tested through PDSA cycles and monitored in tonnage at quarterly reviews.

With patient numbers rising, Louise’s work ensures plastic use doesn’t grow disproportionately. Her leadership supports long-term sustainability, aligning with the Trust’s Green Plan and ensuring clinically safe, resource-efficient care.

Dr Tarek Al-Badawi, Emergency Department Doctor

Dr Tarek has made a lasting difference through his exceptional care and compassion. He remembers his patients, listening with empathy, and offering reassurance during difficult times. His calm presence and genuine concern brought comfort to a couple during separate hospital admissions, even amidst the pressures of a busy A&E.

Dr Tarek treats people as individuals, not just cases, and his kindness has left a profound impact. He exemplifies what it means to deliver truly patient-centred care.

Call Before You Convey, a collaboration between Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and North West Ambulance Service

The “Call Before You Convey” initiative to reduce avoidable hospital admissions for frail patients has been implemented in Bolton. In collaboration with NWAS and community teams, they safely deflected 103 ambulances over eight weeks during the pilot, keeping 48% of patients out of A&E. Their clinical leadership and partnership working improved patient outcomes, reduced ED pressure and cost savings. NHS England praised the model as the best in the country, and it is now being shared nationally as best practice.

Kim Ashcroft, Elective Care Ward Manager

Kim has led the development of an innovative ambulatory care model for elective hip and knee replacements, enabling safe same-day discharge and reducing length of stay without compromising care. Her collaborative leadership has driven improvements in patient safety, experience, and post-operative support.

Under Kim’s guidance, the ward introduced pre-op nursing, invested in rehab equipment, and strengthened multidisciplinary working. Patient feedback and clinical reviews continue to shape the pathway, making Bolton a reference point for best practice.

Emergency Department Reception Team, Acute Adult Care Division

The Emergency Department Reception Team exemplifies resilience, professionalism, and patient-first service. Despite staffing pressures, they’ve maintained a calm, compassionate presence—supporting patients and families with clarity and care. During recent refurbishments, they adapted to a temporary outdoor cabin and launched a new reception area in the Urgent Treatment Centre, all without additional staff. Their teamwork and adaptability have reduced complaints and improved patient experience. Always supporting each other and inspiring colleagues, they are a vital part of the ED and truly deserving of recognition.

Cancer MDT Co-ordinators, Anaesthetics and Surgical Services Division

The team play a vital role in cancer services and are completely dedicated to patient care. As the communication hub between clinical and administrative teams, they ensure every patient’s case is reviewed thoroughly and compassionately. Despite rising pressures, they remain resilient, proactive, and detail-focused.

Their collaborative spirit and commitment have directly contributed to Bolton’s top performance in Faster Diagnosis and COSD data completeness. This team truly embodies professionalism, compassion, and excellence at the heart of the cancer pathway.

Safiya Master, Desktop Engineer, Corporate Services

Safiyah is a dedicated and compassionate member of the Digital team, known for her technical expertise, patience, and unwavering support for colleagues across the Trust. For over four years, she has consistently gone above and beyond, resolving issues with care and ensuring users feel heard and supported. Her calm, approachable manner and commitment to excellence have earned widespread. She embodies Trust values in every interaction, always keeping the patient at the centre. She is a quiet diamond whose impact is deeply felt and truly valued, and always has a smile on her face.

Infection Prevention and Control Team, Diagnostics and Support Services Division

The Infection Prevention and Control Team has shown exceptional dedication over the past year, driving improvements across hospital and community settings. Their leadership in the C. diff Collaborative reduced hospital-acquired cases by 11% and launched a change package to support staff development.

They developed a Trust-wide Diarrhoea Management Plan and embedded learning through SWARM reviews using PSIRF methodology, turning challenges into continuous improvement.

Their collaborative, resilient approach spans outbreak management, education, and multi-agency partnerships has empowered staff and improved safety. This team exemplifies compassionate, patient-centred care and continuous improvement.

Dr Priti Wuppalapati, Specialty Doctor, Family Care Division

Priti is the backbone of the Bolton OBGY department, an exceptional leader whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism uplift both colleagues and patients. She ensures trainees and doctors are well supported, manages complex rotas, and coordinates key services like caesarean lists with precision and care.

Priti regularly goes above and beyond, staying late and offering help even from home. Her presence on the ward brings calm, clarity, and kindness, especially on life-changing days for patients. Priti’s impact is felt in every corner of the department, with one colleague saying “she is the best person in Bolton”.

Enhanced Care Home Team, Integrated Community Services Division

The team provide care to some of Bolton’s most complex and vulnerable residents. They work with partners to make sure that their patients get the most comprehensive care possible, which can only be done by developing strong working relationships.

Their leadership on the Care Home Audit Project and development of strong community links have improved transitions and outcomes. Through collaboration, innovation, and resilience, they overcome complex challenges and maintain gold-standard care.

Security Team, iFM Bolton

In a highly challenging and potentially very dangerous situation, the Security Team demonstrated exceptional bravery, teamwork, and professionalism.

Faced with a serious incident, they acted swiftly to protect staff, patients, and property. Despite sustaining injuries, they remained focused and coordinated, working closely with clinical teams to manage the situation safely.

Their actions prevented harm and ensured the safety of everyone on site. The team’s courage, calm under pressure, and selfless commitment was remarkable.