Publish date: 22 June 2026
We celebrated the success and achievements of staff, teams and volunteers across the organisation, at the Delivering Excellence Awards earlier this week.
The event, held at GG’s in Newport on the island, saw a total of 15 award categories presented to individuals and teams across IWT, recognising them for their teamwork and exceptional care for patients, families and communities.
Over 250 nominations were received from patients, colleagues, and partners- each nomination highlighted the exceptional care, kindness and professionalism shown by individuals across our Trust.
The awards ceremony, kindly sponsored by partners PC Consultants, Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charitable Funds Charity, APCOA, Mountjoy and Clarks Mechanical brought together colleagues from across the organisation, giving them an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and enjoy a well-earned evening of recognition and connection. The awards recognise staff and teams who consistently embody the Trust’s values and make a positive difference to the lives of patients and each other.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the presentation of the People’s Choice Award, which was won by Karolina Adamski, a Student Nurse Apprentice, in recognition of her exceptional compassion, preparation and patient-centred care.
Karolina was nominated by a colleague who said she consistently treats every patient as an individual, ensuring they feel seen, valued and emotionally supported throughout their care. The nomination emphasised on her calm, reassuring approached, particularly when caring for patients living dementia. Karolina’s ability to adapt her communication and remain patient helps to reduce stress and maintain dignity, with patients often responding positively to her presence.
She was also recognised for her thoughtful and proactive support of patients with special needs, coming regularly prepared with sensory items such as toys and a sensory lamp, allowing her to respond quickly to patients who may become overwhelmed or distressed.
Beyond her clinical role, Karolina was praised for deeply meaningful acts of kindness, including bringing items such as fruits, sweets and newspapers for patients without visitors to help ease feelings of isolation. In another instance, after a patient expressed feelings of loneliness and distress, Karolina brought in a blanket and hand warmer form her own home, which had a lasting impact on the patient’s comfort and sense of reassurance.
Her nominator said, “Karolina does not just care for patients; she makes them feel loved, seen, and less alone.” They added that “despite being an apprentice, she demonstrates maturity, empathy, and dedication far beyond expectations.”
The Delivering Excellence Awards recognise the extraordinary efforts of staff, teams and volunteers whose commitment helps ensure patients receive the highest standards of care every day.
Chief Executive Penny Emerit said: “The Delivering Excellence Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding individuals who help make our Trust an exceptional place to work and receive care.
“It was an honour to hear about all the nominations and showcase the amazing teams and individuals that work in our Trust. I would like to congratulate and thank all our staff, volunteers and teams for the remarkable contributions they make every day.”
Winners of this year's 2026 Delivering Excellence Awards:
- Improving Patient Safety – Alexis O’Shaughnessy, Falls and Deconditioning Prevention Lead
- Inspirational Leader (Clinical) – Emma Fisher, Clinical Team Lead, SDEC
- Inspirational Leader (Non-Clinical) – Stuart Harris and Iain Hendey, Analytics and Data Team
- Rising Star – Katarina Langus, Planned Care Division Cancer Services
- Sustainability – Mel Stevens, Advanced Pharmacist Antimicrobials
- Team of the Year (Clinical) – Specialist Paramedic Team, Urgent and Emergency Care
- Team of the Year (Non-Clinical) – Mike Dales, Will Rogers and the Quality Safety Analysts, Corporate Nursing
- Unsung Hero (Clinical) – Amy Robertson, Healthcare Assistant, Gynaecology Outpatients
- Unsung Hero (Non-Clinical) – Amanda Whiteman, ENT Receptionist
- Isle of Wight NHS Trust Charitable Funds Charity Award – Becky Craig, Lesley-Anne Moody, Vikki Crickmore and Alice Van den Houten
- Volunteer of the Year – Daniel Robinson, Community First Responder, Ambulance Service
- Working Together Improving Together – Play Team and MRI Team
- People’s Choice Award – Karolina Adamski, Student Nurse Apprentice
- Chair’s Award – Dr Laura Bohane, Paediatric Diabetes Team
- Chief Executive’s Award – Olivia Gardiner, Directory of Service Support Office, Ambulance
