Recognising and celebrating excellence in practice

Last week, the School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, hosted an Awards afternoon tea to celebrate the successful partnership the School holds with Clinical Practice.

The event, which was held at Park Plaza, Cardiff, highlighted the excellent opportunities offered to the University’s healthcare students across various health and social care sectors in Wales. It also recognised individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to clinical practice education.

The event received positive feedback from guests and nominees which included:

'A lovely experience and an excellent way of maintaining good relationships with our practice partners.'

'Inspiring, a wonderful all profession event.'

'Really well organised. A lovely event. Thank you.'

Close to a hundred healthcare professionals from across Wales attended the celebration. The opening address was given by Professor David Whitaker, Head of School and Dean, School of Healthcare Sciences and this was followed by the presentation of awards, hosted by Professor Dianne Watkins, Deputy Head of the School.

The event was a time to celebrate the success of the school’s greatest mentors, educators, teams and students. The winner and the runner-up of each category were selected by students across the School of Healthcare Sciences’ programmes.

This year, the Special Recognition award was presented to Patricia Brown, a highly specialised Practice Facilitator from the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. As a band seven nurse, Patricia received the award for her hard work and dedication as a placement mentor.

The Best Welsh Mentor award highlights the School’s commitment to the Welsh language. Nominations for this award were made by students who have been educated through the medium of Welsh and who have been on placement with Welsh-speaking mentors.

Sue Eckersley, who is a placement mentor at the Medical Rehabilitation Hospital in Gwynedd was awarded the Best Welsh Mentor, with Eleri McAuley, Whitchurch District Nurse Team, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board awarded the runner-up prize.

The closing remarks were given by Stuart Nixon, a member of the Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) group, located within the School of Healthcare Sciences. The PPI group actively engage with a range of people to influence the education and research of healthcare professionals.

Professor David Whitaker, Head of School and Dean, School of Healthcare Sciences commented:

‘It is our privilege to recognise their dedication, enthusiasm and compassion by rewarding those nominated for outstanding achievements in placement education. We are extremely fortunate to have such talented professionals involved in the education of our students; helping to train and advance the next generation of healthcare professionals.’

Award winners

The best placement educator/mentor of each programme

The best student clinical achievement of each programme

The best placement team of each programme

The special recognition award winner and the best Welsh mentor winner