Oxford Health’s Kirsty Smith received a pleasant surprise when she was announced as the winner of the February Exceptional People Award.

Kirsty has been the PEACE project and training manager since 2013, where she has worked to transform the training package delivered to all patient-facing staff about reducing and managing conflict.

Lauren Finch and Doug Green, who nominated Kirsty, said: “Kirsty goes above and beyond in her role but does this with great humility.

“She is an outstanding leader, and her ability to use forward thinking has ensured that the trust’s training strategy has been implemented in many innovative ways.”

Described as an enthusiastic and dedicated leader, Kirsty has played an integral part in the trust wide reduction of aggression and restraint, improving the lives of both patients and staff. She is always willing to help staff and patients with any challenges they may face.

Kirsty said: “I was completely taken by surprise when I found out I had won this award.

“The best part of my job is when I work alongside amazing staff and can see how hard they work to translate the values that we promote through PEACE into practice. They have my total admiration and support.”

Kirsty will receive a certificate and our thanks for her valued service to the trust and its patients.

Every month we recognise and reward a member of staff that has made a real difference to the trust, our people and our patients. Nominations are welcome from staff, service users, patients, or friends and family of service users and patients. If you would like to nominate someone exceptional you can download a form here.