Colin Foster and Su Calver have both been named finalists in this year’s Royal Devon Extraordinary People Awards, recognising the different but equally important ways they make a difference at Nightingale Hospital.
At Nightingale, making a difference isn’t always about the big things. Sometimes it’s about finding a solution behind the scenes, helping someone find their way, taking a few minutes to listen, or simply making someone smile.
This year’s awards have recognised two people who do exactly that every day.
Colin, Nightingale’s Operations Manager, has been named a finalist in both the Living Our Values and Extraordinary Endeavour – Non-Clinical categories, following nominations from colleagues Nic and Sally.
With more than 20 years’ service with the Royal Devon, Colin began his NHS career working in Security within the Emergency Department. Nearly four years ago, he joined Nightingale as Operations Manager and has seen the hospital evolve significantly.
“I’ve seen such an evolution of the place,” Colin said.
His nominations recognise the work he does behind the scenes to keep Nightingale running smoothly, from supporting the opening of the café and improvements to staff facilities, to working alongside contractors and clinical teams during the ongoing building works.
For Colin, one of the best parts of his role is being trusted to make decisions that are in the best interests of staff, patients and the organisation.
“You never know who’s coming through the door next, but if there’s a way I can make things easier and help someone, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Despite the recognition, Colin remains modest, saying he simply sees it as doing his job. He is particularly grateful to Nic and Sally for taking the time to nominate him.
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Su has been part of Nightingale from the very beginning. She and her husband, Den, were among the first volunteers when the hospital opened in 2022, and both continue to volunteer in Buttercup.
Su has now completed more than 1,000 hours of volunteering, earning her a finalist place in the Extraordinary Volunteer category. She was nominated by Lead Nurse Nic, who recognised her selfless commitment, kindness and reliability.
Su now volunteers every Monday morning, welcoming and directing patients, supporting staff and spending time chatting with patients. But it is the interaction with people that she says she enjoys most.
For Su, being able to make someone’s journey a little better is what volunteering is all about – particularly when patients may be facing difficult news.
“If I can make someone’s journey better, that’s what it’s about.”
She also loves the friendly atmosphere at Nightingale and the people she has met along the way.
While having her photograph taken with Colin, Su gave him a hug and said that it is people like him who make her want to volunteer. Colin described Su as a “genuinely lovely person”, a sentiment reflected in the warmth she brings to those around her.
Making Nightingale a special place
Colin and Su have very different roles, but their stories share something important: they both genuinely care about people.
Whether it’s Colin finding a practical solution to a problem or Su taking the time to welcome a patient and brighten their day, their impact is often found in the everyday moments that can make a real difference.
Both are modest about the recognition they’ve received, but their colleagues see something in what they do.