From supporting a mum to be with her critically ill baby until the infant passed away, to implementing sustainability initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and save more than £200,000 – staff at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) have had their efforts officially recognised at an awards event.
More than 400 staff were nominated for the Trust’s Royal Awards and more than 200 staff attended the awards, which were established to acknowledge the work of clinical and non-clinical staff that makes a difference to both patients and their own colleagues.
Teams were nominated from across the Trust’s hospitals and Community Services and nominees gathered at Wolverhampton’s Grand Station Hotel last Friday evening to enjoy a glittering ceremony. In total, 15 awards were given to teams and individuals who were nominated by colleagues or patients.
Professor David Loughton CBE, Group Chief Executive, who opened the event, said: “I think the pandemic has made people realise how important the NHS is and how our colleagues work tirelessly every day to provide excellent care.
“Nominations for this year’s awards ranged from acts of kindness towards patients and relatives, to overcoming hurdles and outstanding leadership. I’m incredibly proud of all our RWT family – you make our organisation a special place to work.”
The presenters for the evening were Dr Brian McKaig, Chief Medical Officer, and Aradhika Heer, Provider Collaborative HR and OD Lead.
The winners were:
Trust Values Award – Gastro-Liver Day Case Unit
The multi-disciplinary team has been caring for medical patients over the past year and has made the ward a welcoming, supportive, and encouraging place to be – building confidence to mobilise and increase independence.
Rising Star Award – Miriam Langschova, Referral Support Care Navigator
‘Mim’ has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the Cancer Navigator Service. She presented at the Improving Psychological Support for Cancer Conference as the referral support service was recognised as the first of its kind in the country.
Compassionate Leadership Award – Andrew Pritchard, Service Manger – Lung Function
Last year the Lung Function Team suffered the sudden and tragic loss of Pete Moxon, its Service Manager. Andrew not only stepped up to the challenge of becoming the new service lead but became the department’s rock during such a challenging time.
Award for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion – Christopher Innerarity, Pharmacy Business and Performance Manager
Chris is the Co-Chair of the BAME Employee Voice Group. He is a trusted and consistent voice for BAME staff and can listen, empathise, and advocate on behalf of staff on issues related to equality and discrimination.
He is also involved in the development and launch of a new Diversity Reverse Mentoring Programme.
Healthcare Heroes: Clinical Individual of the Year – Jessica Gwilliam, Senior Dental Nurse
Jessica has worked tirelessly to reinstate the mobile dental service for children at special needs schools in Wolverhampton following a three-year delay due to COVID-19.
The programme has seen a 100 per cent uptake in class lists and Jessica has gone above and beyond with her commitment to ensuring these vulnerable children have been seen, while undergoing her own health challenges and surgery.
Healthcare Heroes: Non-Clinical Team of the Year – Staff Wellbeing Hub Team
Initially funded by a grant for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity, members of staff from different departments voluntarily got together to discuss the current economic challenges and put things in place to help colleagues. Within two weeks, a disused café was turned into a fully functioning wellbeing facility.
The charity has taken on the day to day running of the hub, which offers food and other essentials.
Healthcare Heroes: Clinical Team of the Year – Neonatal Unit
Last year, the Neonatal Team supported a critically sick baby who arrived at A&E after an unexpected aortic aneurysm.
After putting lots of care packages in place, the excellent care meant that mum and baby could spend time together. They created special memories, meeting siblings and family, having hand and footprints taken, and lots of photographs of the whole family together before the baby passed away.
Healthcare Heroes: Non-Clinical Individual of the Year – Sue Moorhouse, Ward Clerk – B14
Sue recently went above and beyond her role to support the family of a patient who had died. She stayed with them to offer comfort, compassion, tissues, and many cups of tea.
Excellence in Research Prize – Vascular Nursing Team
The Vascular Nursing Team has developed a patient-focused exercise programme which has been part of a national research programme – one of just five centres in the UK.
The Green Award – Pharmacy Department
By implementing a range of sustainability initiatives, the team has achieved a carbon emissions reduction of 344 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and a Cost Improvement Programme saving of £234,946.
Fundraiser of the Year Award – Laura Roberts and Claire Flatt
This pair established the ‘RWT Challenge’ in 2022, when they came up with an idea to organise a sunset Snowdon walk to raise money for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Together, they raised more than £3,500 which was split between the two charities.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr Tracey Vanner, Obstetric Consultant, Mr Eric Isbister, Consultant, and Rosemary Steel, Specialist Respiratory Physiologist
These staff have clocked up more than 100 years in the NHS between them – a huge lifetime achievement.
Patients’ Choice Award – Dr Ashley Holt, Paediatric Consultant
Most recently Dr Holt has received excellent feedback for his caring attitude but also clinical thoroughness towards a poorly patient.
He showed great compassion – going above and beyond his role - and secured a quick diagnosis putting the patient and her family at ease.
