Mid Yorkshire Volunteers Win National Patient Safety Award
Three Patient Safety Partners recognised for their 'Be That One Person' initiative at the Picker Experience Network Awards.
By Leah Sutcliffe
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of three volunteers standing together in a healthcare setting.
Three volunteers from Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust have received national recognition, winning a prestigious award for their work in improving patient safety and experience.
Patient Safety Partners Bob Morse, Denise Collinson and Dimitra Mitsa were honoured at the 2026 Picker Experience Network Awards. Their initiative, "Be That One Person", secured the Patient Involvement in Patient Safety category. The Picker Experience Network Awards celebrate best practices in enhancing health and care experiences, recognising those who prioritise patients in service improvement.
The Trust's Patient Safety Partners were shortlisted for their dedication to championing patient-centred care and integrating the patient voice across the organisation. The "Be That One Person" initiative highlights the significant impact a single interaction can have on patients, families, and colleagues, serving as a reminder that everyone can make a positive difference through compassion, kindness, and accountability.
Working collaboratively, Bob, Denise, and Dimitra have developed patient safety training videos and presentations to help staff understand how individual actions affect patient experience and safety. The "Be That One Person" message has been integrated into meetings, safety reviews, and complaint processes throughout the Trust. The trio also review anonymous complaint responses, ensuring they are compassionate and patient-focused, contributing to improved response quality and positive feedback from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
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"This national award is a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition for Bob, Denise and Dimitra. As Patient Safety Partners, they bring invaluable insight, challenge and support that helps us continually improve the care we provide. The 'Be That One Person' initiative is a simple but powerful concept that reminds us that every interaction matters. Through their passion and commitment, they have helped embed the patient voice more deeply into our culture and our decision-making."
The award judges acknowledged the initiative's role in fostering an open, learning-focused culture where staff and patients feel empowered to raise concerns and contribute to continuous improvement. By promoting active listening and respectful dialogue, the initiative builds trust and psychological safety, supporting safer, higher-quality patient care.
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"We are incredibly proud to receive this award on behalf of all those who have supported the initiative. The message behind 'Be That One Person' is that every one of us has the ability to make a positive difference through our actions, no matter how big or small. Patient Safety Partners play an important role in helping organisations see care through the eyes of patients and families. We hope this recognition helps spread that message even further and continues to inspire people to put patients at the centre of everything they do."
The award-winning initiative continues to be embedded across the Trust as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing patient safety, patient experience, and organisational learning.
