University Honours Health and Social Care Professionals With Mentor Awards

Friday, 22 November 2019

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 11^th annual Health & Care Mentor Awards, celebrating those who support the University’s students whilst they are training in the work place.

In all, 27 individual awards were presented to nurses, midwives, social workers, paramedics, occupational therapists, and expert mentors from a diverse array of professions within the sector.

Award-winner Val Turner, who works at Maggs Day Centre, said: "It is a really positive response by the University to recognise the work that small charities like ours, with limited resources, do to support students. Maggs has a history of offering a wide range of student placements as we recognise they are the next generation who will take up the gauntlet for the homeless.”

Emma Mayo, a Chemotherapy sister at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, said: “I can recall how daunting it can be starting a new placement. Student nurse training is tough and having someone to support you is really important. I was lucky to have some wonderful mentors during my training that inspired and supported me.”

“This was totally unexpected, and very humbling,” added Ade Couper, Side by Side Project Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Society. “This award isn’t just for me, but for all my colleagues in Alzheimer’s Society, and also for the staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital who have given the project great support.”

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.”

In addition to the individual awards, 13 Outstanding Practice Learning Environment awards were presented to those NHS departments, charitable organisations, GP’s surgeries and social work teams that have supported the development of the next generation of practitioners by providing high quality student work placements.

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 Awards

Ade Couper

Adina Latta

Annette Arnold

Ben Jones

Ben Rhodes

Caroline Mansell

Clive Pardoe

Dave Anderson

Deb Barnett

Donna Hartshorne