All received the Chief Nursing Officer Award during a ceremony at St Nicholas Hospital in Gosforth.

The awardees are Kendall Robinson, Oluwanisola (Shola) Daniel, Simon Connon, Alison Clarke, and Gemma Hepple.

James Duncan, chief executive of CNTW, said: “Health care support workers don’t always get the recognition they should.

“They’re the people who spend the most time with the people we serve.

“You are all setting the way and shining a light for what healthcare support workers can be.

“You’re an inspiration to us.”

Each winner was commended for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to patient care.

Ms Robinson, who works in secure care services, was recognised in the ‘working together for patients’ category.

She said: “I’m so proud to get this recognition.

“I’m only good because of the team around me.

“At work, I think of my relatives and how I’d want them to be looked after.

“I always strive to give the best care that I can.”

Ms Daniel was awarded in the ‘compassion’ category for her work in children and young people’s service.

She said the award came as a surprise.

Ms Daniel said: “I feel so honoured. This award means a lot to me. I wasn’t expecting it.

“Thank you to all the management team, my line manager and colleagues for trusting in me and supporting me.

“I look forward to supporting the team and providing quality care for the patients.”

Ms Hepple, also based in children and young people’s services, said she felt “overwhelmed” by the recognition.

Mr Connon was recognised for his work to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, and for his support and mentorship of new staff.

Ms Clarke, who has worked for the trust for 36 years, received the award in the ‘commitment to quality care’ category.

Sarah Glacken, executive director of nursing and therapies at CNTW, said: “I was delighted to be part of the award ceremony to celebrate five amazing members of staff at CNTW.

“The staff and those who work with them should be rightly very proud of their achievements.

“We are so lucky to have these highly skilled, kind and compassionate staff working in our organisation and I feel very privileged to have been able to celebrate with them.”