Hospital workers and volunteers praised for putting patients first were presented with awards at Medway Maritime Hospital’s annual Star Awards last week (Thursday, 12 June).
The gala event held at MidKent College, saw 11 awards presented. In eight of the categories people nominated their colleagues. The Team of the Year and Employee of the Year were picked by the judging panel from the hospital’s monthly award winners.
The Hospital Hero Award, sponsored by the Kent Messenger, received many fantastic nominations from members of the public shortlisting five finalists and choosing this year’s winner, Liz Maclaren, Children’s Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Liz was nominated for her work in the hospital’s Children’s Outreach and Specialist Team which involves looking after children with cancer.
One of the ways Liz has supported the children and families in her care, has been to set up a children’s oncology fund. The fund, accessed through The Medway Hospital Charity, helps with day-to-day life like food and even repatriation to home countries if they have sadly passed away. Jumping from an aeroplane and wing walking are just some of the fundraisers Liz has organised and taken part in to raise money.
Liz said: “It is an honour to have won the 2025 Hospital Hero Award. Attending the awards was a wonderful opportunity to see the incredible work going on across the hospital and to highlight the service that myself and my team are providing.
“I would like to thank the members of the public who nominated me and the Kent Messenger Group for choosing me as the overall winner. It is great to be recognised for the work we are doing.”
Jon Wade, Interim Chief Executive, Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our Annual Star Awards recognises the great work which goes on here at Medway every day, across all areas of the hospital both frontline and behind the scenes.
“Hearing all the fantastic stories, really does demonstrate how we can work in partnership, to deliver provide high-quality care to people living in Medway and Swale.
“Well done and congratulations to all our 2025 Medway Star Awards nominees and winners.”
Our 2025 Medway Star Award Winners!

Patient First Award Winner

Patients Award Winner

People Award Winner

Equality and Inclusion Award Winner

Quality Award Winners

Volunteer of the Year Award Winner

Sustainability Award Winner

Systems and Partnerships Award Winner

Employee of the Year Winner

Team of the Year Winners
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