Meet our recent excellence award winners

November winner: Esnart Namakando

Esnart was recognised for the outstanding post operative care she delivered to a client and their family during a challenging and vulnerable period. She showed calm leadership, strong clinical judgment and an ability to offer reassurance when it was most needed. Her approach created a safe, supportive environment that enabled the client and family to feel confident and cared for every day.

Her team noted how quickly she built trust, as well as her kindness and consistency throughout the care package. Esnart’s practice reflected the very best of Ellea’s values and set a meaningful benchmark for Ellea’s Excellence in Practice Awards.

“I am so grateful to have been chosen for this award. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the client and supporting her family. I am deeply honoured to be the first recipient of the Ellea Nursing Excellence in Practice Award.”

December winner: Maria Gantin

Maria was celebrated for her exceptional dedication across three complex care packages, each requiring adaptability and a deep understanding of individual client needs. She developed strong, trusted relationships with families and demonstrated the kind of continuity and compassion that made a noticeable difference to clients facing difficult circumstances.

Her warm manner, professionalism and commitment to delivering safe and consistent care were highlighted repeatedly in her nominations. Maria’s reliability and ability to integrate seamlessly within different care environments showed her strength both clinically and personally.

“Working with Ellea Nursing has been a wonderful experience. I have felt welcomed, valued and respected. Caring for my clients has been incredibly rewarding and knowing I made a positive difference in their lives has been deeply fulfilling.”

January winner: Caroline Osuku Opio

Caroline was recognised for the remarkable care she provided to a client whose circumstances required consistent emotional and clinical support. Her dedication helped the client achieve a far better quality of life at home, with noticeable improvements in the family’s stress levels as she guided them through a challenging period with empathy and skill.

She was praised for her flexibility, commitment and the strong therapeutic relationship she developed with the client. Caroline’s focus on compassionate, person-centred care made her an invaluable presence in the home and a deserving recipient of this award.

“It was a huge pleasure to support this client. Compassionate care is my duty. I am so glad he found a quality life at home as we supported him and his family emotionally and psychologically.”

February winner: Agnieszka Bracey

 Aga has been a fundamental part of our client’s care team for the past year, providing consistent outstanding care and supporting the client to make significant progress with their condition. The feedback from the family is always incredibly positive, and they regularly share how grateful they are for Aga’s kindness, compassion, and support.

“I would like to thank Ellea Nursing for recognising my hard work and dedication with this award. It means so much to me, and I am truly honoured. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it’s so lovely to know that clients and their family are happy with the level of care I deliver. I love my job and being seen and noticed is everything to me. Thank you so so much.”

March winner: Stephanie Odokaran

Stephanie was celebrated for the meaningful difference she made through her compassionate, person-centred approach and consistent dedication to her client’s wellbeing. She ensured the care package ran smoothly while supporting her client’s mental health with dignity, warmth and kindness.

She built a strong, trusting relationship through everyday moments, whether supporting daily routines, sharing games, spending time outdoors or connecting through her client’s love of gardening. Her reliability, adaptability and positive presence were valued throughout.

During a particularly challenging time, Stephanie maintained clear and supportive communication with the clinical lead and wider mental health team, helping to ensure coordinated and responsive care.

“Thank you I really appreciate this recognition! I’d love to say that working with this client has given me the opportunity to prosper and grow in my career”.