Your Choice Team Award

The newly established 18 to 25 Transition Team deserves recognition in the Your Choice Award for their outstanding contribution in bridging a critical service gap between children and adolescent mental health services and adult mental health services.

This innovative Team was created to support young people during one of the most vulnerable periods of their mental health journey, the transition into adult care. This is a time most often marked by disruption and disengagement. Since its inception, the Team has demonstrated excellence in collaboration, compassion and person centred care. They have built trusted relationships with young people, families and the multidisciplinary teams, ensuring continuity, safety and empowerment throughout the transition process.

Their work aligns directly with Mersey Care's values by improving access, reducing risk and providing a smoother, more supported experience for service users. Their proactive approach, commitment to co-production and ability to adapt to individual needs, highlights their innovation and dedication. In a short time, they have already made a significant impact and their work is an example of transformation done right. It has been a challenging time as it is a new role but the feedback from other professionals and patients has been exceptional.

The ADHD team has grown significantly over the past year and is managing a 600% increase in referrals. Although the waiting list is long and challenging, the Team regularly goes above and beyond for their patients by working extra hours and attending training to improve support. The entire Team works very hard and deserves to be recognised for their efforts.

I would like to nominate the Admiral Nurse Team for this award in recognition of their unwavering commitment, compassionate care and the truly transformative difference they make in the lives of people affected by dementia. They do this by providing emotional support, working with families and carers, guided by carers on what is important and what matters to them, giving tailored clinical advice.

Admiral Nurses support both the wellbeing of the person living with dementia and families. Their holistic approach ensures that both patients and their families are cared for - not just medically but emotionally and practically. In moments of crisis or confusion, they provide a steady, knowledgeable presence.

They give expert guidance, providing consultancy and specialist dementia education to other professionals and agencies. Their specialist knowledge in dementia care helps families navigate the health and social care systems. The Team's dedication to continuous learning, compassionate communication and collaborative problem solving sets them apart.

They work tirelessly together, often behind the scenes, to ensure no one feels alone in their dementia journey. Their impact cannot be overstated. The Admiral Nurse Team not only supports patients and carers - they empower them.

The support they give to the patients, this team go above and beyond in every single way.

The ASC team in Liverpool and Sefton champions the needs of service users they work with, ensuring that patient health needs are identified and always aim for good outcomes by reducing barriers to social inclusion. This is achieved through correct diagnosis which helps patients understand their needs, and post diagnostic education which can have a significant, positive impact on lifelong wellbeing.

In addition, the culture of the team is always supportive, encouraging and one in which we grow and learn together. Everyone has a role to play in fostering the team culture and it's an excellent place to work as a result.

This team has resilience, loyalty and unwavering compassion, often working behind the scenes, they are a vital first point of contact for patients beginning their journey to better mental health. Their role is far more than administrative. They are the steady, compassionate voice that helps guide individuals into the support they need, often during their most vulnerable moments. In many ways, they are the glue that holds the service together, ensuring everything runs smoothly from referral to recovery.

They provide a safe, non-judgemental space for patients, treating each person with empathy, respect and patience. Their ability to manage complex administrative systems while offering human connection and emotional reassurance is extraordinary. Without them, the Talking Therapies service simply could not function.

Their dedication underpins every step of the patient journey and their contributions deserve to be recognised and celebrated. For their commitment, professionalism and the quiet strength they bring to the service every day, I wholeheartedly nominate the Business Support Team for this award.

The staff in Sefton have worked together to introduce three new apprenticeships aimed at young people with care experience. The Team has welcomed apprentices with open arms, providing a professional yet informed approach in supporting and mentoring the three staff who are aged between 16 and 19 years. These young people have struggled in the past to attend school consistently but with support and guidance from the team, they have persistently attended work and look forward to college days.

The young people have identified that their mentors and the wider team have become significant role models in their lives and for the first time ever, they feel believed in and hopeful for their future. The Team embodies the Trust values and keeps a high standard of expectation for the young people as they would any member of staff but they do it with sensitivity and care.

Since joining the Team, I've noticed that every day, every single member of the Team goes above and beyond for the young people of Knowsley, St Helens, Halton and Warrington. No job is too big or too hard for the team, they just work together to achieve the best outcome for young people and their families. I’m so proud to be part of the Team.

Despite rising workloads and ongoing challenges, our mental and physical health administration teams across Children and Young People’s Services in Knowsley and St Helens continue to deliver an exceptional standard of service. Their resilience in the face of staff vacancies and recent sickness absences has been nothing short of admirable.

Admin play a vital role in the care journey of every child referred into our clinical services. They consistently demonstrate empathy, flexibility and unwavering support - ensuring that children and their families feel heard, valued and cared for from the very first interaction. Their commitment to creating a positive experience for both children and parents is at the heart of everything they do.

In addition to supporting families, our admin teams provide essential support to over 200 clinicians across 12 different clinical disciplines. They manage a wide range of processes, respond to additional requirements and offer help wherever it's needed - always with a smile and a can do attitude. Their ability to juggle complex demands while maintaining compassion and professionalism is truly the backbone of our service

In the past 12 months, this team has developed its group work. The service has embedded a successful parenting grouping (Riding the Rapids) for parents of young people with a learning disability or Autism. Due to the success of the group, the service has linked up with other local services to take from their waiting list.

The service has also provided in-reach groups to schools in the local area that do not have mental health provisions and the team has provided anxiety groups around transitioning to secondary school. The Team continues to want to develop their group work and support the local community. They have recently linked up with a local community for refugees and for children who are being home educated. As a result, they are now developing groups to help support these young people.

 Recognition as Team of the Year would highlight a service that delivers measurable benefit for patients, professionals and the wider NHS every day.

This dedicated team has made a significant and lasting difference to the lives of patients, service users, carers and staff, consistently embodying the core Trust values in everything they do. Despite facing ongoing challenges with staffing shortages and high workload pressures, the team remains resilient, compassionate, and supportive.

They demonstrate outstanding commitment to compassion by providing whole person care that respects the dignity and individuality of every patient. Their ability to look beyond immediate clinical needs and support emotional and social wellbeing truly sets them apart. The team fosters a culture of respect and integrity, treating each other and those they care for with kindness and honesty. They are proactive champions of collaboration, working seamlessly across disciplines and with families to ensure the best outcomes.

Their nurturing and supportive environment also reflects the value of excellence, as they continuously strive for improvement, learning from challenges and adapting to provide safe, high quality care. New to the team myself, I have been absolutely blown away by the dedication, nurturing environment and supportive culture that the team creates every day. Their positivity, kindness and unwavering commitment make a real difference - not just to patients and carers but also to staff like me. This team truly sets the standard and is a shining example of everything our Trust values represent.

The intervention of CERT has had a transformative impact on my wellbeing and restoration of fractured familial relations. It has broken the cycle of the revolving door of hospitalisation for bipolar, ending a 19 month continuous stay, through intensive therapy and effective collaboration.

From being non-communicative and distrustful, honest conversations in a safe environment have improved communication and an ability for all to express views in a non-judgmental manner. The interrelationship of individual, couple and family sessions being important in rebuilding family unity.

Regaining independence through close collaboration with partners such as Lea Court in goal setting. Creating a structure and instilling so much confidence for service users in the intensive pre and aftercare therapy and community support. Such positivity and kindness leading to exceptional results enabling me to flourish in the community with confidence of lasting independence.

Moving from fears, hopelessness, isolation and the split of the family in March, to thriving at home demonstrates the huge impact of this expanding, vital team.

The Community Equipment Service in Liverpool is a huge credit to Mersey Care, the staff support all patients whether in their own homes, rehab settings or within a hospital and are on hand to support whenever needed. They have always been responsive and patient centred in their approach to enable independent living for the people of Liverpool.

In my role as Urgent Care Response Community Discharge Matron, I often call on them for support to enable complex or rapid discharges to occur - they are always keen to help.

Without this service and its flexibility to provide, we would struggle to provide the level of care and therapy in the community and also hugely struggle with flow within our acute trusts.

Working with the Complex Care Team at Hartley Hospital has been the most fulfilling rotation of my medical career to date. The induction was excellent and the team demonstrates close knit teamwork, efficient use of time, respect for others’ opinions and experiences and a strong willingness to teach.

They are compassionate, supportive of one another, advocate fiercely for their service users and go above and beyond by performing tasks such as home visits, delivering prescriptions and reviewing admissions. The Team is always available to offer guidance to junior staff and ensures that everyone feels valued.

Under the leadership of Dr Williams, who possesses thorough and extensive knowledge of old age psychiatry and is well respected within the community, the Team functions with exceptional unity. Their outstanding performance and collaboration are qualities I have not encountered in other trusts or teams.

Dee Ward staff consistently demonstrate outstanding dedication, compassion and teamwork. The staff go above and beyond every day to ensure our service users feel safe, respected and supported. Their ability to remain calm and professional under pressure, while still offering kindness and empathy, is truly inspiring.

What makes this team exceptional is not just their clinical skill but their human approach to care. They listen without judgment, support each other through challenges and always put the needs of service users first. They treat everyone with dignity and respect, creating a positive and inclusive environment for both patients and staff.

In difficult situations, they remain solution focused and show unwavering commitment to the Trust values. Their teamwork and mutual support allows them to face even the toughest days with resilience and compassion. They are role models who uplift others and create a sense of community and purpose wherever they go.

This team has made a real and lasting difference to the lives of many and they deserve to be recognised for their incredible contribution to mental health care. They are truly a credit to Mersey Care.

Delamere Ward staff have progressed over the last five years. Female patients have moved into new settings including community and low secure units. Four patients have transitioned within the past year due to the hard work and efforts of the team.

I would like to nominate the Dental Team at Harington Road for their amazing resilience, enthusiasm, kindness, caring attitude and positive outlook during some very challenging times. The Team is navigating their way through many changes, including colleagues leaving who they’ve worked with for many years, changes to their base and changes to their day to day working.

They have coped with this admirably, with smiles on their faces and bundles of enthusiasm, getting stuck into the jobs that need doing. They are a crucial support team for the dental service and are very humble about what they do and often get overlooked in respect of the crucial role they play in supporting our clinical teams to deliver a dental service for our patients.

I think this is a good time to shine the spotlight on them for the very important contribution they make behind the scenes. I am very proud to work with such amazing people.

The Dietetic Team in Liverpool looks after patients in the community at risk of malnutrition. They visit patients in their own homes and in clinics across the city. In December last year, they set up a joint head and neck cancer clinic with Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust speech and language therapists. They moved from uni-professional community dietetic clinics and acute based speech and language clinics to joint speech and language and dietetic clinics for the assessment and review of head and neck cancer patients in the community setting as per NICE guidelines, enabling co-ordinated care for patients.

This new way of working has benefits to patient experience in terms of reducing the number of clinic appointments they need to attend and reduces travel and parking costs. In addition, there are cross organisational benefits in optimising clinic use, reducing domiciliary appointments, clinical administration and delays in communication between secondary care speech and language therapists and community dietitians. There are also benefits in terms of improving patient access to care and shared decision making regarding enteral feed tube removal.

Patient attendance has improved because of running a joint clinic rather than multiple separate clinical appointments, which has helped with engagement, clinic optimisation and reducing did not attend and cancellation rates.

Our small Team of dietitians and dietetic assistants work across multiple wards across the division. The Team consistently delivers outstanding patient centred nutritional care and contribute to improvements in physical and mental health outcomes. The Team has faced more complex nutritional needs, growing demand and vacancies, yet their enthusiasm always shines through to support service users and ward staff – whose feedback highlights the Team’s empathy and motivation.

The Team introduced several approaches to ensure safe dietetic care, including healthy living groups to empower service users to make healthier choices. They developed a digital offer for service users to access healthy eating information at a time suitable for them, which has impacted on better clinical outcomes for patient care.

The Team has strong collaboration and leadership qualities within both the dietetic team and across the multidisciplinary team, playing a key role in supporting both service users and the ward team with their outstanding knowledge and skills.

The Dietetic Team shows strong commitment to equality and inclusion, we recognise the diverse needs of our service users and we have sourced a range of multicultural resources for those with diabetes. We also work closely with catering colleagues to ensure service users have access, where possible, to culturally appropriate diets

The Team at Churchtown provides excellent patient care, welcome new ways of working and always works hard to improve their practice. Their teamwork, professional curiosity and strong professionalism are truly impressive.

Crosby District Nurses are the most supportive, fantastic team that provide the greatest care and support for their patients. The staff always put their patients first and go above and beyond, not just for their patients but also for the team.

The District Nurse Team at Curzon Road has consistently gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional care to patients, service users and carers, demonstrating unwavering commitment to Mersey Cares core values of compassion, commitment, integrity, courage and respect. Their dedication deserves formal recognition for the significant difference the team has made in the community and beyond.

The team demonstrates outstanding leadership, compassion and flexibility in managing increasingly complex patient needs. Not only have we consistently provided high quality, person centred care, the team has also actively supported neighbouring district nursing teams during staffing challenges, often working beyond usual boundaries and hours to ensure continuity of care and a collaborative approach to avoid service disruptions.

Formby District Nursing Team is an amazing team. They support one another and support all patients following Mersey Cares values. They approach all challenges together with positivity, focusing on team health. This transfers to all patients, giving perfect care. They deserve full recognition for all their hard work.

I work with the most amazing team in Kirkby, they're always first to help when needed and have the best humour. Considering we have a high complex case load and sadly, some unwell staff, the team always comes together to deliver the best care to all our patients and aim for excellence in everything they do. Students have also had wonderful experiences with our team and many of them are now full time staff, which says it all. Best team spirit and dedicated staff. 110% deserve team award!

I would like to nominate our exceptional district nursing team for recognition of their unwavering dedication, compassion and professionalism in the face of extraordinary challenges. Their resilience and commitment never falter. Whether responding to urgent needs, managing complex clinical situations, or offering emotional support to patients and families, they do so with grace, empathy and clinical excellence.
 
What sets this team apart is not just their ability to cope but their determination to go above and beyond. They collaborate seamlessly, support one another through difficult days and maintain a standard of care that reflects the very best of our health care values. Their presence brings comfort to the patients and their families in times of stress and uncertainty and this was reflected in their last QRV inspection where they received Good Plus.

In addition to their core responsibilities, the team has demonstrated exceptional collaboration with the mental health unit they cover, Clock View Hospital, fostering an integrated approach to patient care. Their ability to work seamlessly across disciplines ensures that individuals with complex physical and mental health needs receive holistic, person centred care.

Whether it's co-ordinating care plans, attending multidisciplinary team meetings, or offering clinical expertise in managing physical health conditions, the team consistently shows empathy, adaptability and professionalism. In a time when the demands on community health care have never been greater, the Walton team continues to be a lifeline for so many patients at home. Their work deserves to be celebrated - not only for what they do but for how they do it: with heart, integrity and an unshakeable sense of purpose and resilience.

The Hollins Park team is always willing to go above and beyond when faced with stressful circumstances and deliver an accurate and consistently good service day after day.

The Early Intervention in Psychosis Team in Warrington and Halton demonstrates exceptional commitment to holistic, patient centred care for working age adults through a range of initiatives.

They empower carers by providing education and support groups outside working hours to ensure carer participation.

Our focus on overall health includes sports groups involving both staff and service users, social groups as well as dedicated clinical appointments to minimise metabolic syndrome. These activities have improved wellbeing while improving connectivity between service users - and former service users support running of these groups.

The Team is actively involved in research, supporting ADEPP and SUSTAIN studies, helping in developing new practices and knowledge. They integrate psychology within their daily work, with all members actively involved in research, supporting ADEPP and SUSTAIN studies, helping in developing new practices and knowledge.

They integrate psychology within their daily work, with all members - including consultants - trained to deliver family therapy.

We successfully train GP stakeholders in psychosis, enabling 70% of service users to be discharged back to primary care after three years. Our commitment to community based care is evident, maintaining less than 5% of patients with complex psychosis in inpatient settings, ensuring 97.5% receive less restrictive care.

Our holistic approach extends to supporting neurodiverse patients, with medical staff trained in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. We foster team wellbeing through regular team yoga and cricket, while enhancing professional development with weekly consultant led teaching, psychology led reflective practices and innovative workshops focusing on resilience.

Lastly, we have crowdfunded through charity and our health and social groups, which have significantly enhanced wellbeing for patients at the same time reducing stigma and fostering understanding across the wider community.

Our unwavering dedication to innovation, collaboration, and carer empowerment makes us a deserving nominee for a Star Award.

Simply put, without input from the eating disorder team at Knowsley Recovery and Resource Centre, I would not be where I am today. I owe them my life.

After experiencing a relapse with my eating disorder as an older woman, I was quickly assessed without any focus on BMI, which can often be a barrier to care. The wellbeing guided self help I received from Hayley Black and later the compassionate safety care, was invaluable while I waited for psychology. Eventually, I had therapy with the incredible Clinical Psychologist, Dr Tom Smith, whose kindness, calmness and expertise, helped me more than he knows. I must mention also Pauline on reception who works so hard and always smiles.

This team is truly vital, especially given the limited support available for those with eating disorders. The A&Es at St Helens and Knowsley provided practical service in line with guidelines, all while showing genuine care and compassion. They probably don't realise the profound impact they've had on my life, enabling me to cope, recover and move forward. This service is a precious gem for St Helens and Knowsley.

Although we are a busy and high pressure team, with a wide range of personalities and working styles, what makes us exceptional is the way we come together to support each other - both professionally and personally.

Working with patients and families can be incredibly challenging at times, but there is always someone ready to step in, offer a listening ear, share advice, or simply be present when another team member is struggling. No one is ever left to face it alone.

What makes this team truly special is the sense of acceptance and camaraderie. Everyone brings their own unique quirks, strengths and perspectives - all of it is embraced. We celebrate our differences rather than trying to fit into a mould. It’s that diversity that makes us stronger. Even on the most difficult days, there’s laughter, kindness and genuine care. That’s what keeps us going and it’s what makes this team not only effective but truly a pleasure to be part of.

We may be stretched and we may be busy but we always have each other’s backs and that’s why this team deserves to be recognised.

The Estates Planning Team has exemplified excellence, innovation and resilience throughout the year. The Team has delivered transformative improvements across Mersey Care’s estate, ensuring environments are not only safe and compliant but also therapeutic and ready for the future. Their collaborative approach has been instrumental in delivering complex projects on time and within budget, including the relocation of displaced services and the integration of sustainability principles into all planning. The Team’s responsiveness to urgent needs - particularly during service transitions - has been outstanding, ensuring continuity of care and minimal disruption.

What sets this Team apart is their unwavering commitment to patient centred design, working closely with clinical colleagues, service users and partners to shape spaces that truly support recovery and wellbeing. Their work on the sessional space programme and the innovative use of digital tools for reporting and engagement have set new benchmarks for the use of clinical space, enabling £70k per annum in savings for clinical divisions.

The Team has successfully planned and executed the surrender of leases at multiple sites, resulting in direct savings this financial year, plus additional savings are expected in quarter four of 2025/26 as further relocations are completed. Projects such as the rollout of a digital booking system and sensor based utilisation tracking have reduced operational inefficiencies, contributing to long term savings.

These achievements reflect the Team’s strategic foresight and commitment to delivering value across the Trust. The Estates Planning Team embodies the values of Mersey Care; compassion, commitment and excellence. Their impact is felt Trust wide and their dedication deserves recognition at the highest level.

pathway 24 hours per day, seven days a week. It’s a key part of the urgent and emergency care system, managing more than ten thousand crisis calls every month and providing rapid, clinically led triage and assessment for patients experiencing acute mental health crises.

This service provides skilled telephone triage, urgent face to face assessments and initiation of Mental Health Act processes, when needed. Staff make complex clinical decisions in real time, determining whether a person can be supported safely in the community, requires escalation to ambulance or police, or needs access to crisis teams or inpatient care. By managing risk assertively and safely in the least restrictive setting, the service prevents unnecessary A&E attendances, reduces ambulance conveyances and avoids inappropriate police deployments, protecting scarce resources and keeping patients where they need to be.

The service is fully integrated with the local health and care system. It supports community mental health teams out of hours, accepts referrals from GPs, ambulance services, police, third sector providers, families and generates thousands of referrals into primary care and community mental health services every month. This ensures patients receive co-ordinated care beyond the immediate crisis and reduces pressure across urgent care pathways.

First Response Service has a culture of accountability, reflection and learning. Staff are encouraged to review practice, share experience and raise questions at every level, building a psychologically safe environment where decisions are collaborative and consistent.

This is a team that operates as a family. They support one another through relentless demand, debrief after challenging incidents and create the stability required to deliver high quality care around the clock. This culture translates into better patient outcomes and stronger system performance.

The service is also forward looking. It is piloting AI supported triage tools and digital solutions that enhance decision making and release capacity for the most complex presentations. This shows a commitment not just to meeting today’s demand but to designing the future of urgent mental health care.

The First Response Service is clinically excellent, operationally essential and system critical. It keeps patients safe, reduces demand on overstretched ambulance and police services and supports the entire mental health system to function safely.

The First Response Service in Mid Mersey has worked tirelessly to provide urgent response for mental health crisis. They are passionate and enthusiastic about delivering fast, responsive care, 24/7 in a crisis setting.

First Response pride themselves in creating a safe and inclusive environment allowing patients to access urgent support for their mental health. We work together showing adaptivity and ability to work towards change supporting the NHS 10 Year Plan. We work hard to uphold meaningful and professional relationships with third sector agencies to widen our range of support opportunities.

“Giving people a voice when they feel they have none."

This team has made a significant difference to the lives of staff across Mersey Care by creating a safe, confidential and supportive environment in which concerns can be raised and addressed. Their work directly contributes to improving patient safety, staff wellbeing and organisational culture.

During my six month secondment with the team, working alongside them has been a transformative experience having seen their exceptional dedication and professionalism. They consistently live Mersey Care’s values. They provide whole person care by making sure that staff dignity, voices and wellbeing are respected, which has a positive impact on the care delivered to patients, service users and carers.

Their ability to respond with integrity and empathy, even in complex situations, demonstrates the best of what teamwork can achieve. Through their actions, the team has built trust across the organisation, empowering colleagues to speak up and engage with improvement. They are a positive example for others to follow, showing how collaboration and openness can drive meaningful change. For their outstanding contribution to culture, care and staff experience, the FTSU team should be recognised.

Harrington Ward staff have been amazing over the past year. They have all had a tough time on the ward with high levels of observation needed and high acuity for most of the year. The staff have dealt with incidents well and have kept morale high. It’s hard working on an acute ward at times but when you work with a team as supportive and brilliant as Harrington, you feel confident that you will get through the day together!

The Homelessness Outreach Team strive to deliver excellent care and always work to a high standard; this has led to receiving two Good Plus QRV inspections. They support each other through difficult days, working with challenges, complexities and risk.

They are always looking to develop and grow the service, coming up with innovative ways to engage and deliver the best service for the patient group; such as starting drop in clinics in hostels to promote engagement with mental health services. This was to encourage people who are fearful of opening up to engage with our services. Our new Peer Support Worker has played an integral part in this.

We recently had a visit from the divisional director who had a keen interest in spending time with the Team. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, “The team was not only welcoming but also showcased an impressive level of commitment to patient care. It was evident how proactive and preventative measures are being implemented, with a strong focus on delivering whole person care. Moreover, I was delighted to hear about the excellent relationships you have cultivated with your partners. They all spoke highly of the team and their invaluable input. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication everyone has put in.” 

I am extremely proud of them all, and their passionate and inspiring commitment to their duties.

This team consistently shows strong commitment to their colleagues and the patients they care for. By working collaboratively and supporting one another, they create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and encouraged to contribute to shared goals. Their dedication goes beyond everyday tasks, often exceeding expectations to maintain the highest standards of care and support. Whether helping colleagues in difficult situations or providing compassionate, patientcentred care, the team always puts the wellbeing and safety of others first.

The School Aged Immunisation Service has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of children and communities across Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Knowsley and most recently Halton. The Team has safeguarded thousands of children against vaccine preventable diseases through the delivery of routine and large scale vaccination programmes, ensuring high quality, safe and effective care.

Their swift and professional response to Measles Mumps and Rubella outbreaks has been critical in containing risk, protecting individuals and preventing further spread within schools and the wider community. Alongside this, the team has worked tirelessly to improve uptake of childhood vaccinations, recognising the importance of protecting both individuals and the community.

What makes their achievements even more remarkable is the way they have continued to deliver and innovate during a time of uncertainty, working through the tender process and the challenges of an unclear future for the service. Throughout, staff have embodied the values of Mersey Care - commitment, compassion, respect and excellence - demonstrating resilience, adaptability and dedication to those they serve. This Team’s efforts have transformed lives, protected communities and exemplified the highest standards of care. They are truly deserving of recognition.

I would like to nominate the Liverpool Immunisation Team for the Your Choice Award in recognition of their outstanding commitment to public health and their ability to rise to challenges with professionalism and compassion. The Team has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of vaccinations by attending local events, liaising with partner agencies and responding swiftly to localised outbreaks. They’ve even stepped out of their comfort zones to be interviewed by local radio stations and Sky News, helping to build public trust and raising vaccine awareness.

The Team delivered vaccinations across the city, adding additional clinics during summer holidays and weekends to support a measles outbreak in Liverpool and surrounding areas. In addition to their regular duties, the Team has supported an NHS England primary vaccination pilot, visiting over 50 primary schools - some on multiple occasions. They consistently challenge themselves, learning new skills while remaining supportive of one another.

The excellent work delivered by the Team is a true testament to teamwork, dedication and resilience. I believe they are truly deserving of this recognition.

Sefton Immunisation Team is a small team covering every school aged child across Sefton. The staff work so hard to deliver and ensure every child has the opportunity to be immunised and protected against preventable disease. The passion and care shown within the Team is undeniable and staff go above and beyond for the service due to that passion.

Every school aged child is treated with dignity and respect, their opinions are valued and feedback has been positive from each school we attend. The Team deserves this award particularly as the staff to child ratio does not prevent an excellent quality of service delivery.

I would like to nominate the Integrated Mental Health Team (IMHT) at HMP Liverpool in recognition of their unwavering dedication, compassion and professionalism in delivering high quality mental health care within a demanding custodial setting. HMP Liverpool has undergone a functional shift in recent years and now operates as a remand prison, housing individuals awaiting sentencing. This change presents unique challenges for the IMHT, as the population is transient, with a high turnover of individuals entering and leaving custody, often for short periods. Despite this, the team consistently provides responsive, person centred care to a complex and vulnerable cohort.

The prison environment is fraught with systemic pressures, including staffing shortages, retention difficulties, overcrowding, environmental concerns and the ongoing issue of illicit substances. Within this context, the IMHT works collaboratively with multiple service providers, navigating these challenges with remarkable resilience and professionalism. 

The team has worked tirelessly to address a QRV rating of Requires Improvement in February and their efforts have paid off - recent QRV findings rated the team, Good across all domains. Furthermore, an unannounced inspection by the CQC, in partnership with HM Inspectorate of Probation, yielded highly positive initial feedback, commending the team for their partnership working with the wider prison and health care system and the initiatives that have begun such as single session psychological intervention and their neurodiverse pathway.

They were incredibly positive about health care but I wanted to recognise how difficult that can be for a provider sitting within a larger health care system in a complex environment such as HMP Liverpool. 

It is hard to put into words just how engaged the team has been with quality improvement and evidencing the positive work that goes on within the team despite the challenges, working at high capacity with limited resource. The team has grown significantly and now includes a number of allied health professionals, which strengthens the mental health offer across the prison.

The IMHT at HMP Liverpool exemplifies what it means to be a truly integrated and compassionate team. Their commitment to continuous improvement not only enhances the wellbeing of those in custody but also fosters a safer, more supportive environment for all who live and work within the prison.

The IPS Employment Service has expanded since 1 April 2025 and has had a large recruitment drive. This has seen a lot of changes for all and teething issues. The team has come together to provide an excellent service, helping people into employment.

Johnson Ward staff exemplify excellence in clinical care, demonstrating how collaborative, person centred practice can transform lives. They are true shining stars.

In 2025, the team has made outstanding progress in supporting patients out of long term segregation (LTS). Five patients have successfully transitioned, including one who had been in segregation since August 2023 and three others since 2024. In addition, the team ended seclusion for a further 13 patients - meaning no patients currently remain in seclusion - all while managing a ward of acutely unwell men.

Despite the challenges of a complex and high pressure environment, the team made sure that every patient received compassionate, individualised care. Their approach was consistently supportive, collaborative and driven by the best interests of each individual, demonstrating a deep commitment to person centred practice.

Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the team’s efforts have not only transformed the lives of patients involved but also set a powerful example of clinical excellence and resilience. Their work continues as they actively progress other patients in LTS and seclusion along their individualised care pathways, ensuring that every opportunity for recovery is explored and supported.

The difference this has made to patients is profound. Instead of spending their days behind locked doors in isolation, they are now engaging with peers, interacting with nursing staff and participating in meaningful activities both on and off the ward. Patients have responded positively to these changes, showing improved wellbeing and a renewed willingness to work with staff to enhance their quality of life and continue progressing within the hospital.

Kindness and love will get us through; this has been my mantra following my husband's dementia diagnosis. Traumatic episodes led to him being admitted to Kingsley Ward in early August this year. We arrived as a family struggling with the situation but found, not only straight forward, ongoing information on his treatment but exceptional kindness and understanding from all the staff - whatever their role on the unit.

It is obvious from conversations we've had with staff that they know and interact with him. I drive home after each visit knowing I'm leaving him in safe, caring hands. Their commitment to the people in their care and their families makes them all stars in our eyes.

The Life Rooms service continues to make significant strides in enhancing patient engagement, broadening activities and fostering collaboration both internally and externally.

At the end of 2024, figures for The Life Rooms showed a positive trajectory, particularly in individual attendance for classrooms and horticulture sessions. This upward trend continued into early 2025, with notable increases in participation across a range of activities. Out of 192 patients The Life Rooms have engaged all except 16 (8%) of the hospital. ESS has grown stronger, further boosted by collaborations with the Positive Intervention Programme (PIP) team, which began in February. This partnership enabled more patients in long term segregation to access off ward areas and engage more fully with The Life Rooms. Several patients who had not previously participated in off ward activities began engaging in the full programme.

Over the last year, The Life Rooms staff have facilitated outdoor music events which had strong attendance and positive feedback from both patients and staff. And a promotional event which enabled patients to showcase their work to staff, management and their peers, was a big success. Positive feedback was received from high secure commissioner, Alison Cannon and the National Oversight Group regarding ongoing collaborative initiatives with PIPs and Patient Activity Workers.

The Life Rooms continues to expand its reach and impact through diverse, patient led activities, creative projects and meaningful collaborations. Enhanced support for patients in long term segregation, innovative courses and patient focused events have all contributed to a vibrant and supportive environment, with ongoing quality improvement projects ensuring continued progress throughout 2025.

I would like to nominate the team for this award because of how special and dedicated the staff are. I was an inpatient here earlier this year and know first hand how amazing they are. Everyone is friendly and supportive and always takes time to chat to patients. This is also true of the domestic and catering staff.

As it is a rehabilitation hub, I can honestly say that the atmosphere is really conducive to healing and recovery. The staff on the ward are dedicated and caring and some of them made me laugh far more than I have ever done whilst previously in hospital! Moreover, they motivate and empower you to try your absolute hardest to become the best that you can be in terms of mobility. I could not think of a more nurturing place to recover.

One of the things that stands out for me about this team is how encouraging they are and how much individual team members care about the patients and how much they want their rehabilitation to succeed. I felt this so strongly whilst I was there and it helped me tremendously. I think that the team, which is a relatively new team, is a credit to Mersey Care and a real example of the values that Mersey Care embodies.

Marbury Ward is an acute male intake ward that, despite staffing challenges, has been able to help other wards across Rowan View. All while still providing excellent care to their own patients who at times are very unwell and come to the ward from many different places.

Marbury faces many challenges but always pulls together as a team and the progress patients have made on the ward to progress, is great to see. The ward is managed with clear leadership, effective communication and a strong sense of collaboration. Staff work cohesively across disciplines, ensuring that patient care is well co-ordinated and responsive. Challenges are met with a proactive and solution focused approach and patient feedback frequently highlights the empathy, kindness and attentiveness of the team.

What truly sets Marbury Ward staff apart is their unwavering commitment to patient centred care, even under pressure. They embody the Trust’s values and serve as a model of excellence in acute care delivery.

Our clinical pharmacy team has made a profound difference to the lives of many service users by combining expert clinical knowledge with a compassionate, person centred approach. Our service users feel genuinely supported with medicines tailored to their needs and clear advice that promotes confidence and adherence.

Many of our service users have regained independence, achieved stability and improved their health outcomes because of the team's dedication. Each member of the team has many times gone above and beyond, demonstrating commitment, flexibility and professionalism.

Our team lives and breathes Mersey Care values every day, working together through challenges, supporting one another with compassion and respect. Their spirit of collaboration ensures service users always receive safe, effective medicines aligned with our zero harm and perfect care goals. They are often called to support the wider team at short notice, stepping in with professionalism and flexibility to meet urgent service needs within both our dispensaries.

Through their expertise, dedication and unwavering commitment to service users, they have transformed lives, strengthened our wider team and set a standard of excellence that makes them truly deserving of this Star Award.

The Medicines Management Team regularly supports community nursing. There are two major projects which they have supported in the last 12 months which have made a huge difference to patient safety:

1. The Medicines Management Team led on developing a medicines procedure for two care homes (Milvina and Brushwood) which Mersey Care were working jointly with Liverpool City Council to improve. There were a significant number of medicines incidents and procedures that were poor, including a poor reporting culture. When Mersey Care entered the partnership, we had to improve this quickly with sustainability.

The Team achieved that by developing the procedure. They also helped us to negotiate additional training for care home staff and wider workforce. They were on hand to answer questions at any point and support with incidents and improving safety.

2. CQC inspected Garston and City Urgent Treatment Centres in June. During the inspection, it was identified that we needed to make amendments to our prescribing procedures. We had to respond to this very quickly to satisfy the key lines of enquiry.

The Team assisted us to respond to this very quickly and develop our procedures accordingly. We also had to review the storage of medicines and this involved a quick turn around of a response within a few days. The Team supported this with the leadership team and we resolved what we needed to very quickly. This resulted in a robust response for which we received excellent feedback from CQC.

Halton Mental Health Support Team is very hard working, enthusiastic and always goes above and beyond to support and provide a high quality service to the children, young people, families and schools in Halton and maintain excellent standards of care. As a team they are a pleasure to supervise and work alongside as they always care and want to make a difference and this is reflected by them receiving regular excellent feedback from young people and families.

The Team is always looking at ways of improving care delivery from improving communication, to improving patient information, to hosting participation events for young people and families. Halton MHST is always willing to lend a helping hand to support each other and I am proud to work alongside all of them. They are all an asset to Mersey Care and most definitely embody the Trust core values and make a positive difference to schools, children, young people and families within our area and deserve recognition for all their hard work.

Warrington Mental Health Support Team exemplifies collaboration, compassion and innovation in delivering outstanding care for children, young people and families. The Team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure early intervention and accessible mental health support within schools and the community.

Working together with professionalism and empathy, the team has developed strong partnerships with schools, families and local services, ensuring a holistic approach to wellbeing. They have shown creativity and flexibility in meeting the diverse needs of young people, particularly during challenging times, while always maintaining a focus on safety, inclusion and empowerment.

The Team has created a supportive environment where colleagues thrive, learning from each other and sharing best practice to continuously improve outcomes. Their commitment to listening and adaptation has led to meaningful service improvements and a positive impact on both pupils’ wellbeing and school communities.

By embodying Mersey Care’s values in their daily work, the Team demonstrates excellence in collaboration, dedication and care. Their passion and drive make them an exceptional candidate for the Your Choice Team Star Award.

The Occupational Therapy Team consistently places service users at the heart of everything they do. Working within Secure Care Division, they bring compassion, structure and creativity to every aspect of care. This is a team that goes above and beyond. They are motivated, professional and dedicated, always striving to improve outcomes and create meaningful opportunities for the people they support. Their work is thoughtful and person centred, with a clear focus on promoting independence, wellbeing and dignity.

What sets them apart is their team spirit. They are kind, caring and consistently supportive of one another. Their positive attitude and collaborative approach contribute to making Aspen Wood not only a place of excellent care but a genuinely uplifting environment to work in.

It’s a pleasure to manage this team. Their commitment, energy and integrity shine through every day and their impact is felt by service users, families and colleagues too.

I am nominating the Older Adult Community Hub in Knowsley for this award because as their manager I see daily the work they do to improve the lives of people living with dementia. The team consists of varying roles but together they work collaboratively and all have the same drive and compassion to deliver the best care they can and to help to keep our service users at home for as long as safely possible.

In December 2024, the team achieved Good Plus in their QRV. This really demonstrated that despite a very challenging year, they continued to deliver a high standard of care. The challenges we faced (for varying reasons) impacted staffing but during this time they strived to work together, support each other emotionally and show resilience and enthusiasm throughout. They should be very proud of themselves and I am proud to be the manager of this team.

The Gardening Community Project in Warrington continues to be very successful in acting as a vital bridge with the community. Tracey, the founder, is an inspirational leader with infectious enthusiasm, shared by Stephen in setting ambitious goals for individuals and the group.

The five ways to wellbeing are promoted with a commitment to continual learning, reflection and remaining active. A high level of engagement in discussions amongst this close knit group reflects how a healthy spirit of equality between staff and service users is nurtured with such positivity. The group is very inclusive, taking account of any physical or neurodivergent disability. This is reflected in the tasks undertaken; as I have arthritis, my contribution has been focused on the planning and potting rather than digging.

The feedback from service users is testament to this - all share the joy, fun and how incredible support has led to brilliant results. The group has inspired me to renovate my garden, with its maintenance essential for my continued wellbeing.

I am nominating the RRP Team for their exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the quality of care across the Division. The Team works tirelessly to support some of the most vulnerable service users, including those in long term segregation (LTS) and seclusion. Their work is rooted in compassion, dedication and a clear focus on reducing restrictive practices for all patients.

Through innovative approaches and collaborative working, they have made a profound impact on both patient outcomes and staff development. The RRP Team leads by example, working across all disciplines within the multidisciplinary team to embed safer, more inclusive practices. They support ward staff with new strategies, offer direct patient support and help develop staff confidence and skills. Their efforts have led to more compassionate care and improved access to support for those who need it most.

The team contributes to national programmes like HOPES, actively engages in research and influences policy and practice at a strategic level. Their work has resulted in measurable cost savings, improved safety and enhanced the Trust’s reputation. Their dedication goes far beyond expectations. They are caring, hardworking and consistently go the extra mile to ensure that both staff and patients feel supported. Their leadership has not only improved practice but has also fostered a culture of learning and excellence throughout the Division.

of tooth decay and dental extraction within our community. In response, this academic year, Liverpool School Health Service implemented a comprehensive initiative to improve oral health awareness and promote better dental habits - 17,200 toothbrush and toothpaste sets were distributed to children and young people across Liverpool. These resources were provided as part of a preventative strategy to encourage daily brushing and develop lifelong habits.

In schools, 56 face to face classes were delivered to reception aged children. Sessions included interactive demonstrations, guidance on proper brushing techniques and the importance of regular dental check ups. During Sugar Awareness Week, 381 classes participated in virtual sessions.

The sessions educated students on the impact of sugar on dental health and general wellbeing. Engaging activities such as interactive discussions, videos and physical movement helped reinforce key messages.

Engaging parents indirectly through children’s enthusiasm has proven to extend the reach of the initiative’s impact, encouraging families to adopt healthier habits collectively.

Children were invited to participate in a drawing competition showcasing healthy habits, such as brushing teeth, eating nutritious foods and staying active. The winning poster was selected by the Team and presented during a special ‘Being healthy’ assembly. Well done Liverpool School Health Service.

I’m genuinely proud of working in the Sefton School Immunisation Team. They go above and beyond every day; supporting each other, taking last minute changes in their stride and always ready to lend a hand, whether that’s helping another team, doing a home visit after hours, or simply keeping each other going during a busy school vaccination session. There's a real “all in it together” feeling and it makes such a difference.

The Team is consistently focused on improving uptake, year after year and their energy never seems to dip, even after a long day. They have a focus on health inequalities and always take time to explain the benefits of vaccines to children and families with patience and care. They’re calm, kind and incredibly adaptable. The way they work reflects the Trust values and the positive culture they create is something special. It would be great to see the Team get wider recognition for the impact they make.

I would like to nominate the team on Shelley Ward in recognition of their outstanding support, professionalism and teamwork throughout my training period. From the very beginning, the team made me feel welcomed and valued. They created an environment where I felt safe to ask questions, seek guidance and grow in confidence.

Their consistent feedback and positive encouragement helped me develop both personally and professionally. Even during challenging times - such as managing two seclusion patients - the team remained composed, collaborative and supportive. They ensured I was involved in key incidents, including one that led to a wider team response, allowing me to learn best practices and contribute meaningfully.

What stands out most is how every member of the team played a role in my development. They showed me the most effective ways to work, encouraged reflection and supported me in applying what I learned. Their commitment to teamwork and patient care is truly inspiring. Shelley Ward staff exemplify what it means to be a cohesive, compassionate and high performing team. I am proud to have trained with them and wholeheartedly believe they deserve this recognition.

Over recent months the team has shown remarkable commitment, adaptability and resilience in driving improvements that benefit both patients and colleagues. They have worked tirelessly to ensure the service remains responsive to patients’ needs, while also supporting wider community teams through wound care, pressure ulcer and leg ulcer training. Their willingness to share knowledge and build capability across services has strengthened care delivery beyond their own team.

The team has also embraced significant service changes, particularly the standardisation of the triage process. This included introducing new templates and adjusting triage times to ensure they can better support patients and provide timely advice to wider teams who contact them. These changes were implemented seamlessly, with the team demonstrating openness, flexibility and a positive attitude towards continuous improvement.

What stands out most is their collective effort and dedication. Every member has contributed to embedding improvements without resistance, showing a shared determination to enhance patient care and service quality. The team’s hard work and collaborative spirit deserve recognition, as they embody the values of Mersey Care and set a strong example of how teamwork can drive meaningful service change.

I would like to nominate the Palliative Care Team, led with distinction by Operational Manager, Helen Boyle and Team Leader, Nicola Maddocks, in recognition of their exceptional contribution to patient care, staff development and service excellence.

The Team consistently reflects our Trust values, which they uphold and actively role model every day. They go above and beyond to provide comfort and dignity to patients at the end of life. Even in emotionally challenging situations, the team remains calm, sensitive and deeply empathetic, providing comfort not only through clinical expertise but through human connection.

Helen and Nicola lead by example, ensuring that the team always delivers safe, high-quality care. They review and reflect on complex cases, learning from experience and improving practice through robust clinical governance. The Team is deeply committed to respecting the beliefs, wishes, and needs of every individual.

The Team fosters a positive, supportive environment where staff and patients feel heard, valued and empowered. Their leadership has cultivated a resilient, motivated Team that continues to strive for excellence. They deliver meticulous care with patient safety at its core, using anticipatory prescribing, proactive symptom management and excellent communication with community partners to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and ensure patients receive safe care in their preferred setting. Their detailed documentation, planning and communication mean that every transition is handled with care and precision.

The Team, under the inspirational leadership of Helen and Nicola, embodies everything the Star Awards represents. Their work is not only clinically outstanding but emotionally intelligent, patient centred, and deeply respectful of the trust placed in them by patients, families and colleagues.

I have the absolute pleasure of working with such an amazing and supportive team at Hollins Park Hospital. My colleagues are extremely kind and caring and I have never felt so comfortable and proud to represent a service and team like this before. Thank you to my colleagues for providing an excellent service to our clients, our hard work does not go unnoticed.

Our dynamic, compassionate and highly skilled team consistently delivers outstanding, person centred care to vulnerable families across the antenatal and postnatal journey. Our work is rooted in compassion, empathy, collaboration and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for families, mothers and their babies.

A core strength of our team lies in our expertise in perinatal mental health. At multidisciplinary team meetings we provide sensitive, tailored support to women experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, including complex mental health needs. Team members are tireless advocates, ensuring that every woman and baby has a voice and that families receive the care, respect and empowerment they deserve.

Our approach is holistic and inclusive, placing the parent infant relationship at the heart of our work. We bring babies voices to life in meaningful ways, helping to nurture strong, secure bonds that support long term wellbeing.

As a team we also champion diversity, offering culturally responsive care and ensuring equitable access for minority and marginalised groups. Through our dedication, teamwork and unwavering compassion, the team makes a profound and lasting difference in the lives of the families we work with. We embody the very best of what perinatal care should be.

In addition to the impact on service users, our team is a pillar of support for colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion and continuous learning. Our commitment to excellence and unwavering support for both families and fellow professionals makes us truly deserving of this recognition.

The team in north Liverpool has worked extremely hard to embed lots of changes to improve service excellence and meet their targets, every month. From the admin team to the clinical staff and the leadership and management team.

Everyone has played a part in making Talking Therapies Liverpool a great place to work and for patients to get the very best support. We have seen a change in our clinical model which has left us with very positive outcomes and the team has demonstrated a remarkable spirit of commitment to their patients, each other and the service.

We are very proud of our staff and their resilience whilst implementing these changes and it feels only right that we recognise this. Whilst we may have had some challenging times over the last few years, staff remain positive and the management team remains solution focused, supportive and adaptable. Every day we see innovation, accountability and enthusiasm which has helped us get to a place that we can celebrate. I am proud to work at Talking Therapies Liverpool.

The team recently demonstrated exceptional vigilance and compassion when they noticed a patient had not attended their scheduled appointment. Rather than accepting the non-attendance as routine, they took accountability and acted swiftly, raising concerns and arranging for a welfare check. This proactive decision led to the patient being found at home in a vulnerable state. Thanks to the team’s enthusiastic and supportive response, the patient was urgently transferred to hospital for the care they needed - potentially preventing a life threatening situation.

This is one of many examples that highlights the team’s dedication to continuous improvement in patient care, their respect for every individual’s wellbeing and their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure no one is left behind. Their actions reflect the very best of Mersey Care’s values and culture. South Sefton Treatment Room staff are a shining example of what it means to deliver safe, compassionate and person centred care. Their vigilance and teamwork truly deserve recognition.

UCOPE works collaboratively with local universities to improve student access to mental health care. We offer timely access to a specific therapeutic intervention for students designed to improve relationship with self harm and manage emotional distress. Facilitating effective, safer liaison between universities and local services which improves awareness and access to appropriate services.

Many of the university students we work with are moving to a new city, living independently for the first time, trying to fit in socially and keep on top of studies which can be very overwhelming. For a lot of students, UCOPE may be their first interaction with mental health services and we make sure this a positive, supportive experience. UCOPE provides one to one therapy sessions. We explore what life has been like for the student, how past experiences have affected their relationships with others and themselves, how they have learnt to cope, identify any patterns of behaviours they may want to change and think about how we can make life a little easier for them.

We have received positive feedback from students and the universities who have found UCOPE a very valuable service in improving students’ mental health and reducing risk.

Recently, I was redeployed to Weaver and from the start, I was warmly welcomed into the team and given the support needed to perform my role effectively. The health care staff consistently go above and beyond to provide high quality, person centred care. There are numerous clear, evidence backed success stories from service users who are ready for discharge.

Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) has demonstrated exceptional commitment to suicide prevention, with over 2.8 million people completing their life saving training. This year, the team has expanded their reach by developing tailored suicide awareness packages for LGBTQ+ communities and older adults, alongside a new training module addressing social isolation.

ZSA’s dedication to embedding their training across key regional institutions, including Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Fire Service and Liverpool’s universities, reflects their strategic impact and collaborative spirit. Despite facing a challenging financial landscape, the team united with resilience and creativity, identifying and developing multiple potential income generation opportunities. This collective effort showcases their unwavering enthusiasm and accountability.

Their work embodies Mersey Care’s core values: continuous improvement through innovative training development, accountability in delivering measurable impact, respect for diverse communities, enthusiasm in overcoming adversity and support for individuals and organisations alike.

ZSA’s achievements this year are a testament to their passion, adaptability and commitment to saving lives. They are truly deserving of the Team Choice Award