John Gardiner receiving his award from Charity Director of the Stars Appeal, David Coulthard. Picture: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

Health & Wellbeing News Wiltshire Magazine

Salisbury District Hospital holds Thank You Week for staff and volunteers

Jamie JonesSeptember 24, 20260 Comment0

A SPECIAL event saw volunteers at Salisbury hospital receive well-deserved recognition.

From September 10 to 12, Salisbury District Hospital marked its annual Thank You Week with a series of awards handed out to long-serving workers, and a lunch for volunteers.

The 2026 Staff Awards attracted 790 nominations across 15 categories, including the Patient Experience Award nominated by patients and members of the public.

It was won by John Gardiner, a learning disability liaison nurse, who was recognised for his work supporting patients with learning disabilities and additional needs.

As the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust’s sole learning disability liaison nurse, he was recognised for being a passionate advocate for some of Salisbury Hospital’s most vulnerable patients.

Working with the Stars Appeal, he helped introduce sensory bags across the hospital, helping neurodiverse patients feel calmer, safer, and more supported during their care.

A family enjoying the hospitals fun day in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral. Picture: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

Salisbury Hospital Thank You Week support

The events were made possible thanks to generous support from Salisbury Hospital’s charity, the Stars Appeal, and Salisbury Hospital League of Friends.

Nick Johnson, managing director at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Thank You Week is our opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who make Salisbury Hospital such a special place.

“Whether they are caring for patients, supporting services behind the scenes, volunteering their time, or helping colleagues, our staff and volunteers make a difference every day. We are incredibly grateful to the Stars Appeal and Salisbury Hospital League of Friends, whose support allows us to celebrate and thank the people who work so hard for our patients and communities.”