Health and Social Care Mentors Celebrated

Mentor Awards 2022

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 ³ÉÈËBÕ¾, 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 ³ÉÈËBÕ¾, 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