Dedication to patient care, safety, and teamwork took centre stage as Norfolk General Hospital (NGH), Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH), and Holmes House recognized staff excellence during the 2025 Dr. George Marshall Awards and annual service celebrations.
The awards ceremony brought together staff, physicians, and leadership to honour individuals and teams whose daily efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, residents, and clients across the Norfolk health system.
At the heart of the celebration was the Dr. George Marshall Award, NGH’s highest honour.
Presented annually, the award recognizes an individual or team that demonstrates a passion for improving quality of care, leads by example, and inspires colleagues.
What makes the recognition particularly meaningful is that nominees and recipients are selected entirely by their peers.
Dr. George Marshall Individual Award: Matthew Smye
The 2025 Dr. George Marshall Individual Award was presented to Matthew Smye, a member of Norfolk General Hospital’s maintenance team who has served the organization for more than five years.
Smye was recognized for his consistent commitment to safety, accountability, and professionalism, as well as the pride he brings to his work each day.
While often working behind the scenes, colleagues say his role is critical in ensuring the hospital’s infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and ready to support patient care.
Smye has described the recognition as unexpected and deeply meaningful, particularly because the nomination came from fellow staff members.
In addition to his work at NGH, Smye also serves the broader community as a volunteer firefighter with Station 10 in St. Williams, a role he has held for nearly seven years.
Whether responding to emergencies or maintaining essential hospital systems, Smye is known for his steady presence and dedication to keeping others safe — qualities that colleagues say exemplify the spirit of the Dr. George Marshall Award.
Dr. George Marshall Group Award: Holmes House Team
The Holmes House team was named the 2025 recipient of the Dr. George Marshall Group Award, recognized for its compassionate, responsive approach to care and its strong emphasis on teamwork.
Holmes House provides withdrawal management and residential programming for individuals aged 16 and older who are living with substance use challenges.
That was Paula Duarte, the Clinical Director at Holmes House.
The team’s work focuses on ensuring clients feel supported, respected, and connected to recovery resources within the community.
The program expanded its offerings as well, introduced a new four-week treatment program, and improved bed utilization to better meet client needs.
Client feedback played a key role in shaping those improvements, helping ensure services remained flexible, responsive, and grounded in real-world experiences.
Duarte said the award was especially meaningful because it came from their peers.
Staff say the recognition reflects the collective effort of a multidisciplinary team that continues to show up for clients, even when recovery is complex and non-linear.
NHNH Employee of the Year: Amanda Sinden
In addition to the Dr. George Marshall Awards, the celebration also included recognition of excellence within long-term care.
The Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home Employee of the Year Award was presented to Amanda Sinden, a personal support worker at NHNH.
The award honours an individual who consistently goes above and beyond in caring for residents.
Though we did not get a chance to speak with Sinden, colleagues describe her as someone who brings patience, compassion, and respect to her role each day, helping residents feel supported and valued in their home.
Leadership at NHNH say Sinden’s dedication reflects the very best of long-term care, where strong relationships and thoughtful attention play a vital role in residents’ quality of life.
Celebrating Longstanding Service and Career Growth
The ceremony also recognized staff and physicians reaching significant career milestones through Service Awards and retirement celebrations.
In 2025, more than 100 individuals were honoured for their years of service, including nearly 25 employees who marked 20 years or more with the organization.
One individual was recognized for an extraordinary 45 years of service, with the combined milestones representing an impressive 1,295 years of care and commitment across NGH and NHNH.
In support of continued professional development, the Hazel Race Career Advancement Fund was awarded to 11 staff members.
Established by the late John Race in memory of his wife, the fund helps employees pursue additional education to advance their careers and strengthen the care they provide.
