Trust Values in Action: Celebrating September 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.
Individual of the Month Award: Abigail Cranswick
Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner, Mill Lodge CAMHS Inpatient Unit
Congratulations to Abigail Cranswick, our Individual of the Month, recognised for her exceptional leadership, compassion and commitment to patient care during a particularly challenging incident within our CAMHS inpatient service.
Abi was nominated following events on 9 June 2026, when she voluntarily remained on duty until 11.15pm to help ensure the ward was safely supported and that high-quality care continued to be provided to young people.
With limited substantive staffing on shift and several complex situations unfolding simultaneously, Abi demonstrated remarkable calm, professionalism and integrity. Drawing on the strong therapeutic relationships she had built with young people on the ward, she helped de-escalate a difficult situation while providing clear leadership and reassurance to colleagues, including bank staff who were unfamiliar with the CAMHS environment.
Throughout the evening, Abi coordinated communication with external partners, including the police and fire service, ensuring everyone involved had clear and timely information. Her ability to remain composed under pressure helped reduce uncertainty and supported a joined-up response during a highly demanding situation.
As an occupational therapist, Abi consistently promotes multidisciplinary working and person-centred care. She ensured the young person remained at the heart of decision-making, adapting her communication and de-escalation approaches to meet their individual needs and help them feel understood and supported.
While this nomination highlights a single incident, colleagues said it reflects Abi’s everyday approach to her role. Her commitment to young people, support for colleagues and ability to lead with compassion make her a highly valued member of the team.
Judges’ quote
“Abi demonstrated outstanding leadership, compassion and professionalism in an exceptionally challenging situation. Her calm approach, commitment to patient-centred care and willingness to go above and beyond for both young people and colleagues truly exemplify the Trust’s values and make her a deserving Individual of the Month winner.”
Team of the Month Award: OPS Liaison Team
Congratulations to the OPS Liaison Team, our Team of the Month, recognised for their exceptional dedication, compassion and commitment to delivering outstanding care under increasingly challenging circumstances.
The team has been managing unprecedented levels of pressure and patient acuity in recent months, while continuing to provide safe, compassionate and person-centred care. Despite the challenges, the team has consistently demonstrated professionalism, resilience and a determination to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients and their carers.
Colleagues praised the team’s exceptional work supporting a high number of detained patients awaiting admission, progressing complex treatment plans and finding creative solutions to difficult situations. Through collaborative working, clinical expertise and a willingness to think differently, the team has continued to achieve positive outcomes while meeting response targets and maintaining morale.
The quality of care provided by the OPS Liaison Team during complex and often distressing circumstances has been highlighted as outstanding. Team members consistently go above and beyond to ensure patients and carers remain at the heart of every decision, working closely with colleagues across acute hospital services and partner organisations to deliver joined-up care.
The team’s strength lies not only in its clinical expertise but also in its shared values. Bringing together a diverse range of nursing and medical experience, the team combines extensive knowledge with unwavering compassion and dedication. Despite many years of service across the team, their passion for supporting patients and one another remains as strong as ever.
Those who nominated the team described them as an “incredible and special team” whose commitment to both the people in their care and their colleagues is truly inspiring.
Congratulations to the OPS Liaison Team and thank you for the extraordinary difference you make every day.
