In March 2026, Royal Papworth staff sent 306 Laudits to celebrate the everyday extraordinary achievements of their colleagues.
Our award-winning positive incident reporting platform, Laudit, allows our people to send positive feedback to one another in just a few simple clicks.
Everyone who receives a Laudit is automatically entered into a monthly draw and five winners are selected at random.
Our March winners were Dr Jaseem Baliyambra, Laarni Navales, Olivia Shanelle Scholes, Susan George and Tamsin Briggs.
Dr Jaseem Baliyambra, Specialist Registrar
Jaseem was praised by his colleague Ben for his professionalism during a complex ECMO retrieval of a critically ill patient who needed transfer because of capacity pressures.
Despite difficulties at the receiving intensive care unit and after already completing a full day’s work, Jaseem stayed calm and ensured the patient was safely started on ECMO and transferred successfully.
ECMO (extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation) is a specialised form of life support used for patients with severe heart or lung failure.
Laarni Navales, Deputy Charge Nurse/ECMO Specialist/Cardiac Surgery Specialist
Laarni has worked at Royal Papworth for more than five years. She was recognised by her colleague Nawaz, a newly qualified critical care nurse, for her compassion and support.
Laarni regularly checks on Nawaz’s wellbeing, provides hands-on teaching and clinical guidance, and responds effectively in challenging situations to help ensure patient safety.
Laarni Navales
Congratulations Laarni, how does it feel to be a Laudit winner?
“It feels truly humbling. I’m very grateful to be recognised, especially knowing that so many colleagues work just as hard every day. This award isn’t just about me, it reflects the support, teamwork and shared commitment we have in delivering safe, compassionate care.
“As a Filipino nurse, it also means a great deal to represent the values we carry with us, malasakit (genuine compassion), respect and dedication to others. These are qualities deeply rooted in our culture, and I try to bring them into my practice every day, both for my patients and my colleagues.
“Receiving this recognition gave me a moment to pause and reflect. In a profession where we often move from one challenge to the next, it reminded me to appreciate the small wins, the positive impact we make, and the privilege of caring for others. It’s something I carry with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.”
What do you like most about working at Royal Papworth?
“What I value most about working at Royal Papworth is the shared commitment to excellence in patient care. There’s a strong culture of always striving to improve and push boundaries, which is inspiring to be part of. I’m surrounded by colleagues who are not only highly skilled, but also genuinely compassionate and supportive, and that makes a real difference in our day-to-day work.
“I’m also very grateful for the professional development opportunities the trust provides. They’ve played a significant role in my growth, both personally and professionally, and have helped me become a better nurse. And, to put it simply, no two days are ever the same at Royal Papworth, there’s always something new to learn, which keeps the role both challenging and fulfilling.”
Who inspires you?
“My family inspires me the most, always has, and always will. They’re the reason I strive to do my best each day. Their sacrifices, resilience and unwavering support remind me why I chose this profession and continue to motivate me, even during the most challenging times.
“As a Filipino, family is at the heart of everything we do, and that sense of responsibility, care and dedication is something I carry with me into my work as a nurse. It shapes how I look after my patients and how I support my colleagues, treating them with the same compassion and respect I’d give my own loved ones.”
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?
“One of the most adventurous things I’ve done was riding in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, Turkey. It was an unforgettable experience, floating high above the unique landscape at sunrise, taking in the calm and beauty of it all. It pushed me a little out of my comfort zone, but it was absolutely worth it and something I’ll always treasure.”
What was your first ever job?
“My first job was as a content writer while I was still at university. It was a valuable experience that helped me develop my communication skills and the ability to connect with different audiences, skills that I still carry with me and apply in my nursing practice today.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“I’m someone who has always had an adventurous spirit, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing more of the world. I hope to explore new countries, immerse myself in different cultures and try a wide variety of cuisines.
“More than anything, I look forward to sharing those experiences with my family, being able to bring them along, create meaningful memories together, and show them the beauty of the world beyond what we already know.”
What’s the last thing you completed that you’re proud of?
“Becoming an ECMO specialist is something I’m incredibly proud of. I still remember when I first learned about Royal Papworth and its ECMO service, it’s one of only a few centres in the UK that offers this highly specialised care. Coming from the Philippines, where this technology isn’t widely available, I was truly fascinated by what ECMO can do for patients.
“It was actually what inspired me to join Royal Papworth. I set that goal for myself early on, and to now be in this role feels very surreal. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity, as well as the support and training that made it possible. For me, it’s more than just a personal achievement, it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, and a reflection of the determination and values I carry with me. It really is a dream come true."
Do you have a favourite book, film or TV show?
“Believe it or not, even on my days off, I still find myself watching medical TV series, I guess I can’t quite get enough of the hospital setting! My favourite is House. I enjoy how it combines complex medical cases with problem-solving and critical thinking, which I find both engaging and relatable in a different way to real-life practice.”
Olivia Shanelle Scholes, TAVI MDT Coordinator
Olivia has worked at Royal Papworth since March 2023 and started her current role in February 2025. She was praised by her colleague Alison for her support during short staffing. Olivia stepped in without hesitation and helped to arrange patient assessments and ease the workload.
Olivia Shanelle Scholes
Congratulations Olivia, how does it feel to be a Laudit winner?
“I feel very proud to be making a difference and supporting my colleagues.”
What do you like most about working at Royal Papworth?
“I enjoy working alongside our TAVI nurses and trying to make a difference for our patients.”
What do you admire about the people in your team?
“I admire their dedication and compassion.”
Are you a morning lark or a night owl?
“I’m definitely a night owl!”
Do you have any hobbies?
“I enjoy going out for walks with my dogs and I’ve recently been enjoying reformer pilates.”
What’s your ideal holiday: beach, city, mountains or something else?
“My ideal holiday would be a trip to Disneyworld in Florida, or relaxing on a beach and soaking up the sun.”
What’s the last thing you completed that you’re proud of?
“I helped reduce waiting times for TAVI multidisciplinary team discussions, meaning our patients don’t have to wait as long.”
Who’s your biggest role model?
“I’d say the people I work with every day – they inspire me with their dedication and commitment to patient care.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“To focus on what you can control and always do your best for the patient.”
Susan George, Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) within our respiratory support and sleep centre (RSSC)
Susan has worked at Royal Papworth for 21 years. She was recognised by her colleague Earl, along with the rest of her team, for professionalism, compassion and teamwork - especially on Muscular Dystrophy Day.
Chief executive Eilish Midlane with Susan George
Congratulations Susan, how does it feel to be a Laudit winner?
“It’s deeply rewarding and represents the recognition of dedication and commitment, not just on an individual level but as a collective achievement of my team. It validates the hard work of our entire team and serves as a source of encouragement and inspiration. It’s an immensely proud and exciting moment for us all.”
What do you enjoy most about working at Royal Papworth?
"Royal Papworth is my second home and the only organisation I’ve worked for in the UK. The hospital’s excellence is founded on its people, and I genuinely believe I work alongside some of the best professionals in the world. I’m continually inspired by the collaborative culture and the shared commitment of my colleagues to deliver outstanding patient care.
“As a team, I continuously envision improvements to deliver high-quality service and enjoy each of these moments.”
Who inspires you?
“Karen Graham, the former matron of thoracic, is a role model for me. Additionally, the RSSC team, our Lead ANP Earl Palas, our consultants and my colleagues continue to inspire me every day.”
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?
“While visiting my home in India, a massive flood trapped my mother alone at home. I went in an army truck as far as it could go, then waded through deep water on foot to reach her. It took some persistence to convince the rescue teams, but it was successful.”
What was your first role after qualifying?
“Following the completion of my nursing studies, I began my career as a nurse in a critical care unit at a hospital in Mumbai, India.”
What do you admire most about your team?
“I greatly admire the RSSC ANP team. We work as a family of brave warriors - courageous enough to take on additional tasks together, with collective responsibility in whatever we do to deliver care with exceptional efficiency. We operate with one mind, one heart and one mission and face challenges without any hesitation.
“We function with a shared purpose, confronting challenges confidently and without hesitation. While our efficiency is a source of pride, it’s the unwavering support of our consultants and the relentless dedication of our nursing colleagues that ensures patient care remains at the heart of everything we do.”
What recent achievement are you most proud of?
“I’m particularly proud of completing my postgraduate certificate in sleep medicine last year. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the guidance, care and support I received at Royal Papworth.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“To recognise certain limitations and achieve things slowly.”
Tamsin Briggs, Senior Commercial and Business Manager
Tamsin was commended for her leadership in managing the hospital’s red phones project, supporting the transition from analogue to digital emergency phone lines ahead of the national switch-off.
Working across digital, estates, emergency planning and clinical teams, she helped develop a safe and effective solution to ensure critical emergency communications remain reliable across the hospital site.