People across the North East are being invited to recognise the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) colleagues who have made a lasting difference to them or their loved ones by submitting a nomination for the Patients' Choice Award at the service’s annual NEAS Awards in Summer 2027.
Unlike the other award categories, which are nominated by NEAS colleagues, the Patients' Choice Award gives patients, families, and carers the opportunity to recognise an individual or team whose care has had a meaningful impact on their lives.
Whether it was the reassurance offered during an emergency, the kindness shown in a difficult moment, or care that went above and beyond expectations, NEAS wants to hear the stories that have stayed with patients long after the incident ended.
NEAS chief executive, Kev Scollay, said: "Behind every great patient experience is a colleague or team who cared enough to go the extra mile. Those moments don't always make the headlines, but they make an enormous difference to the people we serve and to each other. The Patients' Choice Award gives our communities the opportunity to recognise the colleagues whose compassion, professionalism and dedication made a real difference when it mattered most."
The NEAS Awards recognise excellence across 14 categories, celebrating innovation, partnership working, leadership, teamwork, education and training, compassionate care, inclusion and respect, outstanding individual and team contributions across emergency care, patient transport service (PTS), emergency operations centres (EOC) and support services, unsung heroes, and colleagues at the start of their careers through the Chair's Rising Star Award.
This year's Patients' Choice Award category received 68 nominations and was presented to Cheryl Lal, Claire Gilroy, Paul Renwick, Richard Jordan, Lucy
March, and Steven Allsopp. They were recognised after being nominated by the family of eight-year-old Gracie-Leigh Marlow, who died following a severe asthma attack in November 2024.
Gracie-Leigh's mum, Alana Monaghan, praised the team's professionalism, compassion, and support during one of the most difficult days of her family's lives, saying they not only cared for her daughter but also took the time to care for her.
Reflecting on receiving the award, Cheryl said: "I feel privileged to win this award and to be nominated by someone in their time of need."
Head of culture and staff experience Victoria Wright said: "Some of the most moving nominations we receive come from patients and families who want to say thank you to the people who cared for them during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Those stories remind our colleagues why they do what they do and recognise the lasting difference they make every single day. If a member of our team has made a positive impact on you or someone you love, we'd encourage you to share your story."
The awards culminate in a celebration event in Summer 2027, where colleagues and teams from across the organisation will be recognised for their outstanding contributions to patients, communities, and the ambulance service.
Members of the public can submit nominations for the Patients' Choice Award until 11.59pm on Sunday 28 February 2027.
To submit a nomination, visit: https://www.neas.nhs.uk/your-service/patient-feedback/nominate-our-staff