Trust Values in Action: Celebrating October staff and team highlights

At Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible work of our teams and individuals who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. Here are our latest winners for Team of the Month, and Sara's Spotlight..

Team of the Month

HR Operations Team

The HR Operations Team, led by Mubina Ahmed, has been awarded Team of the Month for their outstanding contribution to the Trust’s strategic goals and their unwavering support for staff and managers.

This small but mighty team has played a pivotal role in reducing long-term sickness absence, improving governance, and supporting the return of staff to work. Their proactive approach to training and advising on HR policies ensures managers are equipped to lead effectively.

Their recent work on the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS) is a testament to their agility and dedication. With just weeks to prepare, the team launched the scheme smoothly and professionally balancing this alongside their day-to-day responsibilities.

“The team’s ability to flex, reprioritise, and deliver under pressure is exceptional. They are a vital part of our Trust’s success,” said nominator Holly Tetley.

A photograph of a group of people stood together in front of a window. They are smiling at the camera on one of them is holding a certificate.

Sara’s Spotlight Award

Kelly Hezelgrave, Physiotherapy Associate Practitioner

Kelly Hezelgrave has been honoured with Sara’s Spotlight Award for her exceptional clinical response and compassionate care during a critical incident.

During a routine respiratory visit, Kelly quickly recognised a young man in distress and took immediate, life-preserving action. Her calm leadership, clinical expertise, and advocacy ensured the patient received the urgent care he needed. Her actions not only stabilised the patient but also provided emotional reassurance in a vulnerable moment.

Kelly’s nomination highlighted her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patient safety. Her colleagues describe her as someone who inspires through her advocacy and dedication to excellence.

“Kelly, we are so proud of you. You don’t settle for ‘what will do’, you fight for what’s best. You truly honour the people you support, and your belief in them shines through everything you do,” said Clinical Director Lyndsey-Jayne Charles during the award presentation.

Kelly was surprised and humbled by the recognition, saying it was simply “what anybody would do.”

Photograph of three people standing smiling at the camera. The lady in the middle is holding a certificate.