21 July 2025
We are delighted to share that two members of staff at Sussex Partnership - Robert Rodgers and Esther Thomson - have received the prestigious NHS England Healthcare Support Worker Chief Nursing Officer Award.
Robert and Esther were presented with their award certificates and badges by Debbie Knight, Head of Clinical Quality and Workforce for NHS England South East Region, and SPFT Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Portia Aveling, on Monday 21 July 2025 at Portland House.
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) award celebrates the contributions of healthcare support workers (HCSW) who consistently demonstrate NHS values. Robert and Esther were nominated in the category 'Improving Lives'.
Healthcare support workers like Robert and Esther play a vital role in clinical settings, making a real difference to the lives of patients and supporting their nursing teams every day. Nominators are asked to describe how the HCSW has gone above and beyond in their day-to-day role.
Robert, a Senior Support Worker at Chapel Street in Chichester, was nominated by his manager Lauren MacLean, who said:
"Robert is proactive in his approach and will offer support to both the patients and his colleagues. He is kind, compassionate and demonstrates empathy towards those that are receiving care. He is not judgemental and is able to demonstrate that he can think pragmatically about the care being provided/needed for our patients.”
Esther, a Senior Support Worker for East Sussex Rehab Pathway, was nominated by her Team Leader, Sarah Longworth, who said:
"Through her compassionate and proactive approach, Esther ensures that family and carers not only feel heard but also receive the support they need throughout the patient's journey."
There are around 20,000 whole time equivalent HCSW in post in the South-East region so receiving this award shows how exceptional staff taking this top prize are. Congratulations to Robert and Esther!
