Public invited to vote for Torbay’s NHS heroes in People’s Choice Award

Voting has opened for the public to choose their local NHS hero as part of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s annual staff awards.

The “Our People’s Choice Award” recognises outstanding individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond to deliver compassionate care, whether in hospital settings or out in the community. It is one of two categories in the trust’s awards where members of the public are invited to nominate and vote.

Organisers say the award celebrates those who have made a meaningful difference through kindness, professionalism and dedication, with this year’s shortlist highlighting four healthcare workers praised by patients and families.

Among those shortlisted is Jessica Hooper, an occupational therapist with Children and Family Health Devon. She was nominated for her compassion and commitment to supporting a young patient with complex needs, building a strong bond and becoming one of the few people the child trusts.

Nick Gemesi, a nurse on Dunlop Ward at Torbay Hospital, has also been recognised. He was praised for the care and sensitivity he showed to a patient and their family during the final days of a relative’s life, providing clear and compassionate communication at a difficult time.

Gabriel Moroti, a nurse on New Forrest Ward, was nominated by a patient who described feeling vulnerable during their first hospital stay. Despite a busy ward, he was commended for his warmth and reassurance, regularly checking in and offering support.

Rounding out the shortlist is tissue viability nurse Rebecca Shields, who was nominated for her long-term care of a patient over three years. She supported them through post-surgical complications, infections and complex wound care, with the patient describing her as a constant and reassuring presence.

Nicola McMinn, Chief Nurse at the trust, said the nominations reflect the dedication of NHS staff across the region.

She said: “These nominations are a powerful reminder of the difference our colleagues make to people’s lives every day, in hospital settings and out in the community.

“Each of the shortlisted finalists has been nominated because of the care, kindness and professionalism they showed when it mattered most.”

Members of the public can now read the finalists’ stories and cast their vote online, with voting open until 11.59pm on April 20. The winner will be announced at the trust’s awards celebration event in May.

The event is funded through corporate sponsorship, with organisers thanking businesses for supporting the recognition of NHS staff.