Former NHS intensive care nurses lead care organisation to national award success
A company which provides complex and clinical care services to young people in Rotherham and Sheffield has won a prestigious industry award.
Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield won the ‘Exceptional Training and Development Programme’ category at the recent 2026 Neurological and Complex Care Awards ceremony in London.
The award recognises the company’s unique approach to staff training which is led by three former NHS Nurses – Lizzie De Couto, Charlotte Shutt and Louise Henry - who previously worked together in children’s intensive care in Sheffield.
As Clinical Leads at Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield, which is based at the Magna Business Centre in Rotherham, they have introduced a comprehensive training and development programme which involves around 30 of the company’s current clients.
This means staff receive practical, real-world training when they become Support Workers and continuous training throughout their employment.
In their award citation, the judges said: “This award recognises a truly compassionate, person-centred approach that brings clients, families and care teams together in genuine partnership.
“Their inclusive, responsive way of working enriches the quality of care provided, strengthens relationships and, most importantly, helps people feel truly understood, valued and supported throughout their journey.
“This achievement reflects a deep commitment to putting people at the heart of everything they do, setting a wonderful example of excellence in collaborative, person-centred practice.”
Mark McKenning, CEO of Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield, said: “We are delighted to receive this award. As a local business employing local people, we have a strong connection to Rotherham and Sheffield and to the clients and families we support.
“Investing in training and development is about more than building skills within our business. It also means creating opportunities for local people and supporting the local economy, while keeping the needs of young people and their families at the heart of our services.”
The original nomination describes how young people with complex and clinical care needs have been supported to attend school or college, go on holidays, take part in ski trips and work towards greater independence. Support Workers joining with little or no previous professional care experience have also developed the confidence to support highly complex needs.
Feedback from one nursery school highlighted how the clinical team’s guidance helped staff build knowledge and confidence when supporting a child with highly complex needs. The nursery described the “enormous difference” the support makes and called the team “unsung heroes”.
At the awards ceremony in the Hilton London Bankside, Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield were also finalists in five other categories – best multidisciplinary team, community outreach initiative, manager of the year, outstanding complex care provider and outstanding patient or family support.