Dr Yaroslav Stefak, Consultant in anaesthesia and pain management, has won the first-ever ‘Patients’ Choice’ award at the Medical Specialist Group’s annual Celebrating Excellence awards.
Nominated directly by patients and their families, Dr Stefak was repeatedly described as kind, caring, patient and truly thorough. He was recognised for supporting patients and their families through extremely difficult times, taking extra time to talk, explaining options to help them make informed decisions, with several patients saying they recommend him to others.
“I am totally humbled by winning this wonderful award, particularly knowing there are so many people across the MSG who deserve this recognition”, said Dr Stefak. “Patient care should always be at the heart of everything we do.”
The MSG’s Deputy chair and Consultant anaesthetist Dr Michelle Le Cheminant said: “It was a privilege to read through the 50 nominations submitted by our patients and family members. They were genuine, heartfelt reflections written by people whose lives we as a team have helped to improve.
“Patients wrote about kindness, compassion and humility, about going above and beyond, and about expertise and professionalism.”
While the public voted for the newly-introduced Patients’ Choice award, MSG colleagues nominated their peers across five further categories: Patient first, Clinical excellence, One team, Going the extra mile, and Unsung hero.
Dr Le Cheminant said: “Hearing directly from patients and colleagues about the difference our people make every day reinforces why these awards are so important. They celebrate not just excellence, but kindness, teamwork and a genuine commitment to putting patients at the heart of everything we do.”
The ‘Patient first’ award was presented to Surgical PA Associate Rebecca Finch who was nominated by colleagues for consistently doing everything possible to make patients’ journeys as smooth and pleasant, and for always going above and beyond expectations.
Ms Finch said: “I was very surprised and humbled to win. Patients are the core of the MSG, and I enjoy speaking to them and helping in any way I can to ensure their journey is as smooth as possible. It only takes one minute of kindness to give patients the reassurance they need.”
The ‘Clinical excellence’ award, recognising the highest standards of care, went to ENT Consultant Mr Andrew Pelser. He was praised for his compassion, kindness and for always ensuring patients are given time and care, even in very busy clinics.
Mr Pelser said: “Winning the award was totally unexpected. I’m so grateful to have been nominated, and I’ve absolutely loved my time working at the MSG so far.”
The MSG’s nurses were the winners of the ‘One team’ award. The group of 28 nurses who work in Alexandra and Mill House were consistently described as hardworking, respectful and highly efficient with patient safety as a core value and creating a supportive and positive team environment.
Lead nurse Paula Le Poidevin, said: “I was both surprised and chuffed for my team to be given this award – but of course I think the Nursing team is the best one to be in!
“I am hugely grateful to all of them for their continued hard work across all three departments and this includes the bank staff too. Without them we could not run the service we provide as well as we do. Thank you so much for all who voted for us.”
IT manager Marc Le Page won the ‘Going the extra mile’ award. He was nominated for working outside normal hours to support colleagues, contributing his time to projects beyond his role and for being seen as a real asset to the MSG.
“I was shocked but absolutely thrilled to receive the award,’ said Mr Le Page. ‘Sometimes you think that work does go unnoticed especially out of hours, but I have always tried to be available for my colleagues and lead by example with this so to be recognised for this is amazing.”
And finally, taking home the ‘Unsung hero’ award was Governance manager Vicky Tucker for demonstrating a quiet heroism – doing vital, unglamorous work behind the scenes so that services can continue safely and continually looking for ways to improve how her team works.
Ms Tucker said: “I am truly honoured to receive the Unsung hero award. It means so much because it reflects the principles that guide our work every day at the MSG. Quality improvement is not just about systems, it’s about commitment. It’s about stepping up when it matters most. I’m proud that these efforts have contributed to safer care and a stronger service for our community.”
