University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) celebrated its fourth annual Best in Care Awards at an inspiring ceremony in Edgbaston last night (31 October 2012).

The evening was a glittering tribute to the dedication and care given by staff and volunteers at the Queen Elizabeth hospital Birmingham (QEHB). Former patients and local personalities presented the 14 deserving winners with prizes and certificates.

Among those were extraordinary patients, including: heart transplant recipient Zoe Croft; Jacqueline Keely, who underwent ground-breaking stroke treatment; cancer patient and fundraiser Claire Alcorn; and Ann Bagnall, the first patient to be treated at QEHB.

This year’s coveted "Chairman’s Employee of the Year" award was presented to Jamilla Kausar, a movement disorder specialist nurse who was nominated by 19 patients for her exemplary care and compassion.

In a heartfelt video message, patient Hazel Froggatt, who herself was shortlisted for an award, thanked Jamilla for her care and attention: “She makes us feel that we are her only patients. We have had marvellous care and she is a friend to us.”

Returning to the stage for the fourth time, poet and broadcaster Charlie Jordan paid tribute to "Member of the Year" Paramjeet Kang in a poem penned especially for the occasion.

The celebrations culminated in the presentation of the "Outstanding Achievement Award", which went to the Accident and Emergency team. In a dramatic ending to the evening’s show, a montage of footage of the team’s work revealed the winner to a captivated audience. Staff on shift at the hospital’s A&E department also joined in the revelry via a live video link.

The Emergency Department were praised for the improvements in service made over the past 12 months and for the innovative way in which they manage some of the region's most complex and serious injuries.

UHB’s Chief Executive Julie Moore said: “The Best in Care Awards is another occasion to celebrate the achievements of those working for and within the Trust.

“Every year I am newly humbled to hear about the selfless efforts of so many people who contribute to the smooth-running of this organisation.

"It’s not just about them doing their job – it’s about them doing it exceptionally well; so well that those they care for feel moved to applaud their actions and nominate them for one of these awards.”

Follow the link below to see details of all the winners and nominees.