Health and Social Care professionals from across the region have been recognised for their outstanding contribution in mentoring students from the University of Worcester.
The University recently held its annual Health & Care Mentor Awards, celebrating those who support the University’s students whilst they are training in the workplace.
In all, 16 awards were presented to nurses, midwives, social workers, paramedics, occupational therapists, and expert mentors from a diverse array of professions within the sector that have supported the development of the next generation of practitioners by providing high quality student work placements.
Elizabeth Davies-Ward, Head of the School of Allied Health and Community at the University of Worcester, said: “Everyone we have honoured with these awards has their own job to think about, their own unique set of challenges and responsibilities, and yet they have taken the time and care not only to provide placements and mentoring opportunities for the next generation, but to provide truly excellent placements backed up with compassion and support. When you consider the array of challenges facing staff in the health and care sector, we have every reason to be especially grateful for their efforts.”
Robert Dudley, Head of the Three Counties School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Worcester, said: “The support provided by our mentors is crucial in helping ensure that our students develop not only the expertise, but also the experience to excel as high-quality practitioners in their own right.
“When you consider the challenges facing staff in the health and care sector, we are especially grateful to all those who are prepared to give their time to help mentor the next generation. It will not be long before our students are themselves playing their part in shaping the health services of the future, and thanks to the excellent placements and high-quality mentoring they have received, they should be ready to hit the ground running.”
Full list of award winners
Outstanding Mentor of Nursing Students (Adult)
Justine Bennett of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Outstanding Mentor of Nursing Students (Child)
Joannah Salandanan of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Outstanding Mentor of Nursing Students (Mental Health)
Kelly Hollier of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Outstanding Mentor of Nursing Associate Students
Sarah Blizzard of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Outstanding Mentor of Midwifery Students
Lucy Knight-Summers of Wye Valley NHS Trust
Outstanding Mentor of Physiotherapy Students
Kiri Yeates of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Outstanding Mentor of Occupational Therapy Students
Ben Workman of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Outstanding Mentor of Paramedic Students
Sally Nash of West Midlands Ambulance Service
Outstanding Mentor of Physician Associate Students
Clare Potter of Maple View Medical Practice
Outstanding Mentor of Post Registration Students
Chris Clarke of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Outstanding Mentor of Social Work Students
Gemma Bristow of CAFCASS
Outstanding Mentor of Foundation Degree Students
Kirsty Hughes of AgeUK
Outstanding Practice Learning Environment: Nursing and Midwifery
St Richard’s Hospice In-Patient Unit
Outstanding Practice Learning Environment: Allied Health and Community
Early Intervention Dementia Service at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Head of School Award: Three Counties School of Nursing and Midwifery
Nicola Bittles of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Head of School Award: Allied Health and Community
Janet Tighe of Schoen Clinic