Publish date: 13 October 2023
Radiographers, Podiatrists and Occupational Therapy Assistants were among the winners at Tameside and Glossop NHS ICFT’s Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) awards.
The awards were held to coincide with National AHP Day on Saturday 14 October.
The day celebrates the significant contributions of AHPs to the NHS workforce, shines a spotlight they have on the delivery of care and improves awareness of the fourteen different professions.
Held at Tameside Hospital, the awards brought together many professions from across the Trust’s acute and community services to celebrate the best of the last 12 months.
Five winners were eventually crowned out of more than 120 nominations from their peers.
The awards were presented by Chief Executive, Karen James OBE, with Medical Director, Dilraj Sandher, and Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan O'Brien, also in attendance.
Michelle Thurman (Podiatrist) won the headline AHP of the Year award, with AHP Support Worker of the Year going to Lee Bleasdale (Occupational Therapy Assistant).
Hannah Kelly, also a Podiatrist, won the Above and Beyond Patient Care award, Stephen Taylor was recognised for Outstanding Leadership while the Team of the Year went to the FND Service within CNRT.
See below for a selection of photographs from the day and more information on each of the winners.
AHP of the Year: Michelle Thurman
Michelle was nominated for her work across all AHPs within the organisation, linking groups within the Trust together to share best practice and improve patient care. Michelle's enthusiasm in her role as a Podiatrist was noted and the nominator said her experience working across other AHP groups is leading to exciting new developments within the Podiatry and High Risk Foot Team.
Sara Rodway (Children's Occupational Therapist) was highly commended for going above and beyond in creating a microsite for patients containing lots of helpful and important information. Ady Bevan (Respiratory Physiotherapist) was also highly commended for being a consistent advocate for patients, combining expertise, compassion and empathy.
AHP Support Worker of the Year: Lee Bleasdale
Lee (Occupational Therapy Assistant) received an overwhelming amount of nominations citing his hard-work, kindness and professionalism. Lee consistently goes beyond the call of duty to support patients and their families, and upholds the behaviours and values of the Trust.
Alice Faulkner (Dietetic Assistant) was nominated as a vital member of the Acute Dietetics team who has taken on the role of student mentor, while Danielle Holt (Podiatry Asssitant Practitioner) was described as the 'glue that holds the team together'.
AHP Team of the Year: FND Service within CNRT
The Functional Neurologial Disorders Service within the Community Neuro Rehab Team was developed from within existing teams to provide a specialist clinic. This provides a comprehensive assessment for patients in one place and provides an opportunity for patients to feel listened to. This is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and has enhanced patient care significantly.
The Podiatry/High Risk Foot Team were nominated for their collaborative working for the benefit of patients and affording opportunities for colleagues to increase their skillset. Fellow nominees, Acute Dietitians, received plaudits for providing an excellent service under pressure and communicating well with wards.
Outstanding Leadership: Stephen Taylor
Stephen (Diagnostic Radiographer) has shown true leadership skills during an exceptionally challenging year. While coming to terms with the loss of a valued friend and colleague, Stephen's commitment to patient care was unwavering while offering support to colleagues.
Rachel Lawson, Pathway Lead for the ISCAN team, was cited as positively changing the team's approach during the last 18 months by empowering colleagues to improve. Kieron Sidebottom, from Radiology, has worked to give learners valuable clinical experience and pastoral care.
Above and Beyond Patient Care: Hannah Kelly
Hannah, a Podiatrist, consistently demonstrates compassion towards patients and colleagues. Her ability to actively listen and address the needs of her patients was highlighted in numerous nominations, as was her willingness to sacrifice her own time to ensure patients are prioritised and there are no delays in their care.
George Charlton (Physiotherapy Assistant) was noted for his friendliness and kindness towards patients, and included a specific example where he went above and beyond to ensure a patient who needed physio after a hip replacement was able to be discharged. Karina Khader (Apprentice Diagnostic Radiographer) received several nominations citing her hard-working personality and work ethic, studying long hours to earn her apprenticeship while working in the Radiology department.