We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Roisin Francis, Care and Wellbeing Worker, has received the prestigious “I Think They Deserve It” Award at the annual Sirona care & health Excellence Awards 2025. Roisin was recognised for her exceptional work supporting local resident Peter Dawson following his discharge from hospital.
Peter had spent a month in hospital following a serious fall and long-lie. Upon returning home last December, he was referred to Sirona for rehabilitation and to BS3 Community’s Neighbourhood Support Service – a partnership project that provides much-needed help and support to people returning home from hospital.
Peter described feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable, especially as his Parkinson’s symptoms had worsened. That changed when he met Roisin.
“From the moment she first visited, Roisin was incredible,” Peter said. “She didn’t just tell me what would happen – she listened, made me feel at ease and helped me set practical goals. Things like applying for a Blue Badge, arranging equipment, completing my council finance assessment, and helping me rebuild my confidence to get out and about again.”
Roisin’s support extended far beyond logistics. She helped Peter navigate complex systems, made phone calls on his behalf, and advocated for him when communication became difficult due to his condition. More recently she has also successfully won grants from Bristol Charities and Friends of the Elderly, to completely remodel Peter’s garden and make it fully accessible. He is now able to easily get outdoors and enjoy the space.
“She’s made everything feel manageable. It feels like she is doing the heavy lifting so I can focus on what matters. I honestly don’t think I could have coped without her.”
Peter is now being referred to a specialist clinic in London for focused ultrasound treatment – a step he credits to Roisin’s encouragement and support.
“While I may feel less able physically, in many ways I’m more confident now because I have had the right support. Roisin has changed my life. She treats me like a person, not just a client.”
Roisin’s dual role with Sirona and BS3 Community has allowed her to provide seamless, person-centred care. “It’s like having a friend. We need a hundred Roisins, so everyone can benefit.”
At the awards ceremony held at Ashton Gate Stadium on 9th October, Sirona’s Interim CEO Julie Sharma praised Roisin’s dedication:
“Roisin embodies the values of Sirona that help us improve outcomes for all. From providing a safe, high-quality, easy to access service through to really understanding Peter’s needs and putting him at the heart of everything she does. I’m delighted to hand over this well-deserved award.”
Simon Hankins, CEO of BS3 Community, added “We are immensely proud of Roisin and the profound impact of her work with Peter and others. This recognition reflects not only her exceptional dedication and professionalism, but also the strength and value of the partnership between BS3 Community Development and Sirona care & health. The BS3 Community Neighbourhood Support Service exemplifies how collaboration between community health services and the VCSE sector can deliver holistic, person-centred care that empowers individuals, enhances wellbeing, adds significant value to the work of both organisations and saves the ‘system’ money. We are honoured that this integrated way of working is being acknowledged as a vital asset within the community health care offer that Sirona provides in the BS3 postcode area of South Bristol”.
The Sirona Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of over 4,500 staff across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The “I Think They Deserve It” Award is particularly coveted as it’s nominated by the general public.
Congratulations to Roisin on this much deserved recognition and thank you for making such a profound difference.