7 November 2024
A learning and development celebration was held at the Trust, which runs the county’s two acute hospitals, to recognise the fantastic achievements of more than 700 members of staff.
The event was part of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s (SaTH) Recognition Week.
Certificates of recognition were handed out to staff, including for those who had successfully completed nursing degrees and apprenticeships over the last 12 months.
A Significant Contribution Award was also presented to the teams involved in the successful International Project, which has seen over 700 healthcare professionals join the Trust’s clinical environment from various corners of the globe over the past five years.
The project has not only transformed the organisation’s workforce, but highlighted the Trust’s commitment to excellence in healthcare, showcasing the power of collaboration, diversity, and resilience.
Teams who had played a pivotal role in this extraordinary project from recruitment and planning right through to realisation of the vision and integration and support of new team members were recognised with the award.
The event was held at the SaTH Education, Research and Improvement Institute (SERII), which celebrated its first birthday this week.
SERII is a dedicated teaching facility, based at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. It supports the training and development of all colleagues including medical students from Keele University and doctors in training. The building is used to host a variety of training and education with a focus on interprofessional learning between all staff groups.
Hayley Flavell, Director of Nursing, said: “I am deeply passionate about the power of learning and development. It is at the very heart of what we do at SaTH. Our patients expect the best care, and we can only achieve this by investing in the continuous development of our staff, nurturing the skills, confidence, and dedication needed to deliver exceptional care.
“It was inspirational to hear the stories of our learners and how they have embraced every opportunity to develop themselves. Whether they are an apprentice just starting their NHS journey, a nurse building new skills, or a senior staff member committed to mentoring the next generation, each one of them plays a vital role in ensuring our workforce is prepared for the future.
“The learning and development event was a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of colleagues, their perseverance, and the difference they make. Each success story we heard was a story of dedication, of learning through challenges, and of growth that will benefit not just them, but our patients, our teams, and the wider NHS.”
Caption: Hayley Flavell, Director of Nursing, and members of the International Project with their Significant Contribution Award
The spotlight has been put on two of those who have taken part in learning and development over the last 12 months:
Gloria Dzakpa – a Registered Nurse who took part in the Prep for Skills Academy
Gloria Dzakpa qualified as a Registered Nurse (RN) this year after completing her BSc Nursing through a three-year apprenticeship. She now works in the critical care unit at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford.
She was one of the Trust’s first Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeships (RNDA). She has worked at the Trust for four years, starting as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in the Emergency Department at PRH.
Gloria said: “When the opportunity for a registered nurse degree apprenticeship arose, I recognised it as a significant step forward in my professional journey. I successfully navigated a university interview and committed to three years of rigorous academic study and practical placement. I am so pleased that I have completed my university degree in adult nursing.
“I enjoy being a critical care nurse because it challenges me, allows me to connect with others, and gives me the opportunity to make a real difference to patients and their families lives.”
Gloria said that the Prep for Skills Academy had enhanced her potential for professional growth and leadership development.
“The programme has enhanced my critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. It has also provided valuable networking opportunities and exposure to innovative healthcare practices,” she said.
“The skills and knowledge gained through the academy will be invaluable in my future endeavours. I aspire to take on leadership role or specialise further in critical care. The academy experience has prepared me for these challenges.”
What would you say to anyone who was thinking of doing the academy?
“I would say seize the opportunity. The academy offers substantial personal and professional growth. Embrace the challenges, engage with peers, and leverage the expertise of facilities. It is a transformative experience that will shape your healthcare career,” she said.
Mary Camp, a Housekeeper, who has taken a Multiply Maths course
Mary Camp was a catering supervisor at a local school and fancied a complete career change. She is now a housekeeper on the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Princess Royal Hospital.
She said that she wanted to use the skills that she had gained in her previous role as a supervisor, which she had held for 15 years.
Mary who has been with the Trust for nearly three years said: “I have really enjoyed my role assisting the nurses and HCAs with any issues they may have, ensuring all the equipment they might need is at hand, but I especially enjoy talking to the patients while taking the tea trolley around, listening to their interesting stories along the way.
“With my catering background I take a big interest in the food allergies patients may have to ensure their safety. I always come to work with a smile on my face not only to brighten up a patient’s day, but I enjoy my job.
“I am a link worker on AMU for Health and Safety, Nutrition and Hydration and also a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessor. I enjoy learning different aspects of these roles to give feedback to our ward.”
She said that following a housekeeper away day last year, she was keen to learn if her career could develop as she was keen to explore avenues of interest to her.
Mary said: “Most of the jobs advertised require basic GCSE Maths and English, when I completed my studies at school, I had CSE qualifications as GCSE wasn’t around. These are no longer accepted so I was determined to get to GCSE level.
“I enrolled on a 12-week course at Telford College for functional skills Level 2 Maths, (I hadn’t touched a Maths book for 39 years!) I sat an initial exam to see what I knew – my result was 15% and I sat my final exam 12 weeks later with a score of 88%. Now I have my Maths, I have now enrolled for functional skills Level 2 English. I have really enjoyed my learning at college and I am eager to learn new things.
“Achieving my qualification in Maths will definitely help me for my future career, as this is one of the main requirements needed in positions advertised.
“I would definitely recommend this to anybody thinking of studying Maths or English, you are never too old to learn.”