Finalists for our 2024 Public Choice Award with Cambridge University Hospitals revealed
The finalists for our Public Choice Award this year with Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) can now be revealed.
The Cambridge Independent asked readers to nominate individuals or teams working at CUH, which runs Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, for this special award in recognition of their care, dedication and expertise.
The award is the only category at the CUH Annual Awards that is open to public nomination.
Editor Paul Brackley said: “We were inundated once again with an amazing set of nominations, filled with stories of the fantastic care received at our hospitals.
“It was, naturally, an extremely difficult task to narrow these down to a shortlist, but we are delighted that everyone who nominated was able to send a message of thanks that is being passed on to their nominee by Cambridge University Hospitals as a show of appreciation for what they do, day in, day out.
“Thank you to all those who made a nomination and congratulations to our finalists.”
The finalists are:
Melissa Page, midwife
A reader said: “Melissa was there for me and my fiancée in early April when our son was born asleep and the care she gave us throughout our time in hospital was amazing. She even took time out to come see us when we visited our son down at the on-site mortuary and to us she is so, so valuable to your team.”
Victoria Riddleston, nursery nurse
Lisa Radcliffe, from Isleham, told us how she helped her son George before his death in October 2023 following a 17-month battle with rhabdomyosarcoma.
She said: “We spent three weeks on the ward with Vicky when George had just had his tracheostomy in. She made him smile every day! She had messy play ready (even if she couldn’t be there) as a motivator for his daily dressing changes.
“Vicky works by her values that play and happiness heal. She listened to George’s likes and interests and tailored his play to develop these further.”
As George had to spend weeks isolating in his room, Vicky “filled his room with resources and created play spaces so that the isolation wasn’t such a big deal”.
Lisa added: “One day our son had many tricky procedures. He said he wanted to dance so she surprised him with some sensory lighting and music that filled his hospital room and brought so much joy!
“As a parent, she gave me space to think and breathe which is a luxury when you are caring for your child 24/7. Our family will always be grateful for the joy (and mess) Vicky brought during those weeks.”
Thomas Santarius, consultant neurosurgeon
Mr Santarius received a host of nominations from patients.
Ella Collis, from Newmarket, told him: “Your work has changed so many people’s lives, living with chronic pain feels hopeless and you have given pineal cyst sufferers in the UK hope.”
And Chelsea Mead told us: “Mr Santarius changed my life. He saved me. I was suffering with debilitating symptoms due to my pineal gland cyst. If it wasn’t for him and his team fighting for these surgeries and more knowledge into these pineal cysts, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Dr Joo Ern Ang and the oncology team
Mandy Clouting told us: “Since being diagnosed with cancer the support this team has given me is beyond belief. Dr Ang always has been honest, transparent, positive, but more than that despite how busy he is, I never feel that I’m rushed. My continued monitoring has meant that nothing gets missed and they are on any little change. You have no idea, until you are there how invaluable this is. To be honest he makes me feel I am his only patient, I cannot believe how kind and empathetic he is.”
Hannah Philp and Jenny Kemp, paediatric physiotherapy
A reader told us: “Our son was born with bilateral talipes four years ago. Hannah and Jenny have been treating him since the day he was born.
“Their diligence, expertise and passion for their job and patient care has helped our son walk, run and play like any other child when we were fearful he may not achieve these milestones.
“We have regular appointments for treatment and check-ups and they are always thorough, reassuring and pay attention to every detail. They treat my son and I with the upmost care and compassion.”
The winner of the Public Choice Award will be revealed at the CUH Annual Awards, to be held on 21 November at Cambridge Corn Exchange.
