Our winner
Angharad Williams
Since starting in her Senior Sister role in 2024, Angharad (Harry) has built respectfully on the work of her predecessors and has been hugely influential in the successful year the Endoscopy team has had.
Under her leadership, the Endoscopy Department is one of the top 10 most improved departments for Staff Survey response rates, has saved on staffing costs by retaining the workforce and team spirits were kept high throughout several ward moves.
Three months into her role, Harry led the the department through their external Joint Advisory Group (JAG) for Endoscopy inspection and they achieved immediate reaccreditation.
Harry leads by example, listens to others and genuinely cares about each individual within her team which has had a huge impact on the morale of the team.
She has outstanding motivation and, if there’s a job that needs doing, Harry is on it. It has become a regular thing for Harry to come in early to ensure that the clinical areas and equipment are thoroughly cleaned – just a little example of her going above and beyond to ensure that Endoscopy achieves 100% cleanliness.
This award was kindly sponsored by CAE Technology Services.
Highly commended nominees
Shinta Joseph (four nominations received)
For seven years, Shinta has been the manager on Ward 5 and, in that time, she has been met with numerous challenges. Despite this, Shinta shows exceptional leadership and her energy, dedication and compassion makes a huge difference to the team every day.
Shinta fosters an environment of hard work and person-centred care and, under her management, Ward 5 has been able to consistently deliver outstanding stroke rehabilitation care.
She goes above and beyond to ensure patient safety, staff wellbeing and service efficiency. Her proactive approach to problem-solving, excellent communication skills and unwavering support to her colleagues have earned her deep respect within the team and across the Trust.
Shinta and another member of the Ward 5 team at the 2025 Pride of Airedale Awards event.
Sarah Irving (four nominations received)
Sarah has worked at Airedale for over 25 years and, as a team leader, she is always approachable and friendly to all new staff/rotational staff and students, making them feel like they’re a welcome member of the team.
A true team player, Sarah doesn’t ask of others what she would not do herself and lifts the spirits of the team with her sense of humour, which is vital when things become challenging and demanding.
She has played an important part in the development of the therapy service within the Emergency Department.
Sarah always lets the team know how well they are doing and gives recognition where it’s due, making her colleagues feel valued. She is also happy to support individuals in their quest to develop their knowledge as she recognises the benefit it will have on the individual and the team overall.
