A healthcare worker who uses a quirky form of therapy to treat people has been crowned KentOnline’s Hospital Hero.

Emily Brown won the category at the Medway Star Awards at the GlassBox Theatre in Gillingham on Thursday.

The ceremony recognises those who have gone the extra mile, or shown great passion and commitment to their service.

Emily is the world’s first hospital-based namaste care practitioner and uses a unique method to treat those in need.

Her work has been recognised for offering dignity and peace to patients and their families during difficult times – and has inspired others.

You can read more about her role and nomination here.

The 33-year-old was presented with the award by Medway NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Jayne Black.

Emily said: “I do this job because I truly love it so to have won an award for doing something I love means more than words.

“I’d like to personally thank the staff at the KM, the people who nominated me, my work colleagues at Medway Hospital, my partner Josh and children Hendrix and Vivienne, and Midkent College for holding the event.

“I will continue to deliver Namaste care to our patients at Medway Hospital with the same drive and passion as always.”

The gala saw a total of 11 awards presented to staff of Medway Maritime Hospital.

Jayne said: “It is great to be able to recognise the work of our people here at Medway, which benefits patients, visitors and staff.

“I know the judging panel had a hard time in choosing our winners from the many fantastic nominations we received.

“I would like to thank the Kent Messenger Group for their sponsoring of our Hospital Hero Award.

“Well done and congratulations to all our 2024 Medway Star Awards nominees and winners.”

The KM opened the Hospital Hero award for nominations earlier this year and was inundated with responses.

A total of five finalists were shortlisted – each week we shared their stories.

We told how Dr Saadia Shah, a gynaecologist, stepped in after her shift ended to save a mother’s life.

Later we highlighted Michelle Fitzpatrick recognition for her empathetic approach to Intensive Care Unit patients and families.

We also shared how porter, Shannon O’Kane had been shortlisted after often coming in to work to cheer people up on her days off.

And last week mental health nurse, Charlotte Steen said being a finalist showed why roles like hers are needed.