Top broadcaster Simon Thomas to host OUH Staff Recognition Awards

Simon Thomas, former Blue Peter and Sky Sports presenter and President of the national charity Blood Cancer UK, will host of this year’s Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) Staff Recognition Awards on Thursday 6 July.

The Awards are taking place at Oxford Town Hall as part of the celebrations to mark the 75th birthday of the NHS on Wednesday 5 July.

In 2017, Simon’s late wife Gemma suddenly fell ill and was treated in the Haematology department of the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, an aggressive type of cancer that affects the blood cells, and sadly, she passed away just three days later. 

Simon described the care his late wife received from Dr Andy Peniket, Consultant Haematologist and his team as ‘incredible’ and he has been raising awareness of blood cancer symptoms ever since. 

Simon Thomas said: "It’s a real honour and a pleasure to be hosting the Staff Recognition Awards and to be able to celebrate some brilliant people who make such a difference to so many."

More than 1,800 nominations were received for the OUH Staff Recognition Awards 2023 -  teams, individual members of staff, volunteers, and fundraisers were all nominated – and the finalists in each category were announced in May. 

The winners will be revealed at Oxford Town Hall on 6 July in the week when the NHS celebrates its 75th birthday.

Professor Meghana Pandit, Chief Executive Officer, Oxford University Hospitals, said: "Our Staff Recognition Awards event is an opportunity to recognise individuals and teams that give the exceptional care patients receive at our hospitals.  It is important to celebrate their contribution." 

Oxford Hospitals Charity generously supports the Staff Recognition Awards and we are grateful for making this important celebration of staff achievements possible.

Douglas Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Hospitals Charity, says: "The Charity team is fortunate to work across all our hospitals and see first-hand how many inspirational staff there are in our Trust. So, it is a real privilege to support the Staff Recognition Awards and take a moment to celebrate and thank some of these wonderful teams and individuals."