This category aims to recognise an individual who has made an outstanding difference in their field of work which has impacted the future of the service.
Or
An individual who has dedicated themselves to a discipline or to the NHS in general, making a difference to people, patients or visitors.
Professor Anna Kelsey, Consultant Paediatric Histopathologist has dedicated her career to advancing paediatric pathology and improving outcomes for children and young people. During her long and distinguished service at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, she has become internationally recognised for her expertise in paediatric tumour pathology, particularly in the field of soft tissue tumours and rhabdomyosarcoma.
Her influence extends far beyond her clinical excellence. Anna has been an exceptional teacher, mentor and role model, inspiring generations of trainees and colleagues and shaping the practice of paediatric pathology far beyond our organisation.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patients, colleagues and the profession. Even following retirement, Anna continued to support services during a period of national workforce challenge, exemplifying the dedication and sense of responsibility that have defined her career.
For a lifetime of service, leadership, innovation and excellence.
Professor Kelsey’s contribution cannot be measured solely by the diagnoses she has made or the services she has supported. Her true legacy lies in the knowledge she has shared, the professionals she has developed, and the countless children and families whose care has been improved through her expertise.
Dr Justine Theaker, Consultant Allied Health Professional has dedicated her career to advancing orthopaedic physiotherapy through research, innovation and an unwavering commitment to evidence-based practice. For decades, patients undergoing total hip replacement were routinely given strict post-operative hip precautions, despite limited evidence to support them. Justine had the courage and curiosity to question accepted practice and, through her PhD research, completed during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, provided the evidence that transformed care.
Her groundbreaking work demonstrated that these restrictions did not reduce dislocation rates and directly informed the 2024 GIRFT National Guidelines, changing practice across the NHS. The impact has been profound: shorter hospital stays, more day-case surgery, improved patient experience, greater efficiency, significant financial savings and reduced environmental impact—all without compromising patient safety.
But Justine’s contribution extends far beyond research. She is an exceptional mentor, leader and advocate for others, supporting colleagues, developing future researchers and creating a culture where learning, innovation and collaboration can thrive. What makes Justine truly remarkable is that every achievement has been driven by a simple goal, to improve care for patients. Her work has challenged convention, influenced national policy, and demonstrated the power of allied health professional-led research to create meaningful change. Her legacy can be seen not only in the evidence she has generated, but in the countless patients whose recovery has been improved, the colleagues she has inspired, and the future generations of clinicians who will build on her work. For her outstanding contribution to patient care, research, innovation and the NHS.
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