Lincs NHS staff shortlisted for national awards

A nurse and an allied health professional (AHP) from two of Lincolnshire’s NHS trusts have been announced as finalists in the prestigious HEAT (healthcare, education and training) Awards.

Staff nurse Deborah Faulkner, from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) joins Polly Blaydes, Allied Health Professional Lead and Recovery Services Advisor from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) in making the shortlist.

The HEAT Awards, organised by Health Education England, celebrate the importance education, training, leadership and workforce planning play in delivering high-quality compassionate healthcare in the NHS.

Deborah, a finalist in the Inspirational Return to Practice award was nominated for her commitment to returning to nursing after a 17 year break and working hard to overcome anxieties to become a very valued team leader.

Deborah said: “I am extremely delighted to have been nominated for an award and I am overwhelmed at being shortlisted.

“I love being back in nursing, caring for patients again and looking after my colleagues’ and patients’ wellbeing.

“It has been a steep learning curve as lots has changed in 17 years, including using computers, but I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

Sally Brown, Outpatients Sister at Johnson Hospital who nominated Deborah said: “As a team we are incredibly proud, that Deborah has been shortlisted.Being a finalist is a great achievement especially given that there were nearly 800 nominations and from these only three people per award were shortlisted.”

Polly made the final three in the Champion of Diversity, Inclusivity and Widening Participation award. She was nominated by her colleague Carol Duff, a Consultant Occupational Therapist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Lincoln.

Carol explained why she nominated Polly for this award:

“Polly is very modest about the impact she has made within our Trust; raising the profile of diverse staff, patient and carer groups and ensuring our services are inclusive for all. Equality and diversity is at the heart of LPFT’s values and Polly is a fabulous role model of an inclusive leader, both within the organisation and in the wider in the work she contributes to on a national level.”

Polly said: “It’s such an honour to have been nominated and shortlisted. I am privileged to work in an organisation that values equality, diversity and inclusivity. We strive to ensure that staff and patients / carers are actively listened to and respected as individuals, and that the diversity of our community is celebrated.”

Both Deborah and Polly will be heading to London on Thursday 18 July to celebrate their achievements at the award ceremony and to discover if they have won.