Theatres Manager at RCHT shortlisted for prestigious national award
Christian Valenzuela, Operating Theatres Manager at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, has been shortlisted for Nurse Manager of the Year at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2025.
The awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate individuals, teams and initiatives making an exceptional impact on the nursing workforce across the UK. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London this November.
Christian was nominated by colleagues who praised his leadership and commitment to staff wellbeing, inclusion and patient care. The nomination cited Christian’s success in building a culture of safety, openness and mutual respect, where everyone feels supported and empowered.
The nomination also highlighted Christian’s ‘outstanding leadership’, and his role in guiding colleagues through significant service changes over the past year. By involving frontline teams in decision-making, providing training and maintaining open communication, Christian helped colleagues feel confident during transitions while ensuring continuity of care.
The nomination then goes on to commend Christian’s commitment to diversity and wellbeing. From introducing cultural competency training and equitable recruitment practices, to establishing wellbeing initiatives such as flexible rostering and peer support, Christian has made inclusivity and staff care central to his management style. His mentorship and support for professional development have led to multiple internal promotions, helping to strengthen the resilience and skills of the theatre teams.
“Christian is not just a manager, but a role model and advocate,” said one colleague. “His leadership has directly contributed to improved patient safety, stronger teamwork and a department where people are proud to work.”
For Christian, the shortlisting came as a surprise.
“Being shortlisted for the Nursing Times Workforce Summit and Awards 2025 is truly a pinch-me moment,” he said. “I never expected anything as prestigious as this to cross my way. Looking back, I owe this to the mentors, colleagues and networks I’ve been fortunate to meet in my roles as Operating Theatre Manager, Clinical Site Manager and as Chairperson of the Filipino-Cornwall Community Organisation. Each has shaped me personally and professionally and inspired me to live and lead as my authentic self.”
The Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2025 will take place on Wednesday 26 November at the Hilton London Metropole.