Celebrating our people’s kindness and compassion
Published: 22 May 2026
The achievements of some of the incredible people who work with us were celebrated at our annual Our People Awards Celebration last night.
The event, held at the Riviera International Centre on Thursday 21 May 2026, brought together around 240 health and care professionals who had won recognition awards during the past year, including winners of the DAISY Award for Nurses and Midwives, the Primrose Award for Healthcare Support Workers, Specialty, Specialist and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors, Resident doctors, Allied Health Professionals and our quarterly Our People Awards.
As well as celebrating award winners from the past year, the winners of the prestigious Our People’s Choice team and individual awards were also announced. Gabriel Moroti, a nurse on New Forrest Ward, Torbay Hospital, received the individual award for supporting someone during their first stay in hospital when they were feeling vulnerable.
George Earle Ward, Torbay Hospital was announced as the team winner for their compassion and dedication to a patient throughout their stay on the ward. Winners were chosen by a public vote in recognition of those who have made a lasting difference through their care and compassion.
The People Partner Award, which is presented to individuals or teams in partner organisations who go the extra mile to support people who use NHS and social care services or their carers, was awarded to Lancelet Support, recognising its intensive, compassionate and highly person centred work with some of the most vulnerable and hardest to reach individuals in our communities.
The Charity Champion Award was presented to Helen French, Admin Team Leader from the Breast Care Unit, for her outstanding fundraising efforts in support of our Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity.
The first ever Volunteer of the Year Award winner was Sam Mead, Way Finder and Transporter, based at Torbay Hospital, for his friendly, cheerful attitude and for always going out of his way to support others. This new award recognises and celebrates our amazing volunteers, shining a light on their dedication, compassion and commitment.
Joe Teape, Chief Executive said: “This celebration is one of the highlights of our year, as it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of our people, it is a powerful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and professionalism that runs throughout our organisation.
“Each and every one of our people plays a vital role in delivering the outstanding care and support our communities rely on. I’m incredibly proud of their passion, kindness and commitment. It’s a privilege to recognise the incredible contributions of our people, whose work embodies our values.”
The evening was funded entirely by the generous support of event sponsors Nevada Construction; Bailey Partnership; MW Benney; Stride Treglown Architecture; Services Design Solution; Hulley and Kirkwood Consulting Engineers; Arque Ltd; Multiverse and Peninsula Projects Consulting. Guests enjoyed a celebratory dinner with music and dancing, offering a well-deserved night to relax and reflect on a year of remarkable work.
Our People Awards Celebration continues to be a highlight in the organisation’s calendar, reflecting the importance of recognising the people who go above and beyond, truly making a difference in the lives of patients, families, and colleagues alike.
If you have received exceptional care or support from someone at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, you can nominate them for an Our People’s Choice Award.