Donna Hilton BEM, Youth Service Manager at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, has been presented with her British Empire Medal (BEM) by the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering OBE MBS HAC, at a ceremony held at Bridgford Hall.
The honour, received as part of The King's Birthday Honours 2026, recognises Hilton's almost three decades of pioneering work supporting young people navigating life with long-term health conditions. She joined NUH in 1998, establishing what was then the UK's first hospital youth worker role.
Under Hilton's leadership, the NUH Youth Service has evolved from a small pilot project into a nationally recognised team supporting over 400 young people annually. The service is noted for its innovative approaches, including the UK's first hospital youth club for young people with long-term conditions, life-skills and transition programmes adopted elsewhere, and the founding of the National Health Based Youth Workers Group.
“"It feels so surreal. I can't describe it. It just feels incredible."
“"You don't set out to do work to get an honour. When you do something you really love and get recognised for it, it's one of the best moments I think I've ever experienced."
Shelley Jepson, Lead Nurse for Children's Renal Services at NUH, praised Hilton's impact, stating, "Donna has led the way in hospital youth work and, in doing so, has changed the lives of countless young people both locally and nationally."
Jepson added, "She has many talents, but what stands out is her skill at finding solutions to ensure young people with long-term health conditions meet their full potential, whether that's attending youth club, volunteering for the service or speaking in Parliament. I am absolutely delighted that Donna has received recognition for everything that she has achieved since setting up the hospital youth service 27 years ago."
The recognition marks a significant milestone for both Hilton and the NUH Youth Service, which continues to be regarded as a national leader in its field. Further reflections from Donna Hilton on her career can be heard in episode 5 of the NUH podcast.
