The event was hosted by David Wilmott, Cygnet’s Director of Nursing, who said: “The annual Cygnet Nursing Awards provides an opportunity for staff to nominate colleagues for the exceptional work that they do. This year we had a record number of nominations and it gives me enormous pleasure to recognise those who make outstanding contributions to the care that our service users and residents receive.”
This year there were 608 nominations across nine awards categories and there were also several special recognition awards presented by David Wilmott.
Congratulations to our winners, who are all listed below.
The finalists and winners of our Nursing Awards 2025:
Nurse Compassionate Leader
Winner: Jerome Omesa – Clinical Team Leader, Cygnet Hospital Clifton
In a world that is often fast-paced and task-driven, Jerome reminds us all of the power of presence, the importance of slowing down to connect, to care and to lead with empathy. He is not just a compassionate nurse, but a compassionate leader whose impact ripples far beyond. Compassion is not simply a quality he possess, it is the foundation of his leadership. It is embedded in every word he speaks.
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Winner: Shiella Muchenje – Clinical Team Leader, Cygnet Hospital Woking
Sheila treats everyone with respect, dignity and champions a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. She fosters positive employee relations, ensuring a fair and supportive environment for all staff. Above all she treats all service users with respect to build good rapport and therapeutic relationships.
Nurse Education Award
Winner: Sujata Sharma – Clinical Quality and Compliance Manager, Cygnet Hospital Beckton
Sujata is an amazing Leader who has demonstrated and made a significant contribution to education, training, or professional development for all Staff. Sujata was a former PDN who has been noticed for her hard work and dedication.
Speak Up Award
Winner: Natasha Chiwara – Senior Support Worker, Cygnet Hospital Maidstone
Natasha is a true embodiment of the Speak Up values, consistently demonstrating courage, dedication, and commitment to making a difference. Natasha empowers others to speak up, lending a listening ear, providing the best advice and assurance.
Support Worker of the Year Health Care
Winner: Nyaradzai Banga – Senior Support Worker, Cygnet Hospital Woking
Nyaradzai is passionate and possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, empathy, and effective time management, making her an exceptional support worker.
Support Worker of the Year Social Care
Winner: Louise Anderson – Support Worker, Trinity House
The Winner of the Support Worker of the Year Social Care Award 2025 is Louise Anderson from Cygnet Trinity Lodge & House. Louise embodies all of Cygnet’s values in her role. Louise supports staff and puts everyone’s needs above her own. Louise ensures her staff and residents are well looked after and staff are supported.
Nurse of the Year Health Care
Winner: Josie Tait – Senior Registered Mental Health Nurse, Cygnet Sherwood House
The Winner of the Nurse of the Year Health Care Award 2025 is Josie Tait from Cygnet Sherwood House.
Josie demonstrates exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to patients care. Josie consistently goes above and beyond demonstrating not only Clinical Excellence but compassion and Empathy towards Patients and families. She goes above and beyond in creating a safe, supportive environment for both patients and colleagues, always advocating for the well-being of those in her care.
Nurse of the Year Social Care
Winner: Zoe Coltman, Registered Mental Health Nurse, The Fields (Award accepted on Zoe’s behalf by Vickie Peters, Nurse Director, Social Care)
Zoe is passionate about her job and goes above. Zoe is approachable friendly and supportive. Zoe is a lovely genuine person and has grown with confidence she fully deserves this recommendation.
Nurse Leader of the Year
Winner: Jerome Omesa – Clinical Team Leader, Cygnet Hospital Clifton
Jerome displays exemplary leadership skills and kept spirits up in the face of adversity. Jerome empowered, motivated and inspired his nursing team & support workers. Jerome’s confidence, dedication and unwavering support is a testament to his outstanding nursing qualities.
Director of Nursing Recognition Award Winners
The following team members were given special recognition awards by David.
Jorden Gallager, Service Manager, Ranaich House
Julie Johnson, Team Leader, Cygnet Hospital Hexham
Juliet Powell, Specialist Practice Development Nurse
Following the awards we celebrated our Nursing Associate and Registered Nurse Degree Apprentices, along with colleagues who completed our Ward Manager Development Programme and PBS Coaching Course. David also thanked a number of individuals and teams for their support over the last 12 months including Cygnet’s QI team, our Carer Ambassadors, as well as his Executive Assistant, Amie Dove, who had worked so hard to organise the event.
