Welsh Ambulance Services celebrations staff at fifth annual awards ceremony
The Welsh Ambulance Service has honoured its staff and volunteers at its fifth annual staff awards ceremony.
More than a dozen awards were presented to colleagues across Wales at tonight’s virtual ceremony, as well as a trio of special awards in celebration of the World Health Organisation’s International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
A moving tribute was also paid to lost colleagues, including Swansea paramedic Gerallt Davies MBE, who died in April after contracting coronavirus.
Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “Our staff awards are a brilliant way to recognise the sterling efforts of staff and volunteers who demonstrate overwhelming commitment and do a great job for the people of Wales, every day.
“The Covid-19 pandemic meant we couldn’t host the ceremony in the usual way this year, but it has given us the opportunity to pause and reflect on our achievements in a different way.
“It’s been a really tough year for the NHS, so it’s more important than ever to take stock of the last 12 months and say a big thank you to our people, without whom Wales’ national ambulance service simply would not exist.”
Chair Martin Woodford added: “Often, our people don’t realise that what they do is special; they see it as part of their daily job, so the staff awards are an excellent way to shine a light on their work and recognise that effort.
“We heard some incredible stories as part of the ceremony, and I’d like to extend a huge heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners.”
Winners include:-
Emergency Medical Service Award
Nigel James (Paramedic, Newport) – for his bravery and quick-thinking actions at a complex 999 call.
Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service Award
Kayleigh Wheeler (Operational Team Leader, Dobshill) – for her exemplary leadership and want to make a difference.
Clinical Contact Centre Award
Simon Wellington (111 Systems Developer, Swansea) – for being an integral part of the Clinical Contact Centre community and a positive role model to others.
People’s Choice Award
David Moodley (Paramedic, Hawthorn) – for his quick-thinking actions which saved the life of a schoolboy on two separate occasions.
Great Listener Award
Glyn Thomas (Community First Responder Manager, Swansea) – for enabling Community First Responders to be their best by listening and taking action.
Learning and Innovation Award
James Haley (Assistant Finance Manager, Cwmbran) – for facilitating innovative new training and development opportunities for colleagues.
Inspiring Others Award
Jonathan Turnbull-Ross (Assistant Director of Quality Governance, St Asaph) – for supporting colleagues to embrace quality improvement and his collaboration work with partners.
Support Services Award
Andrew Wilkins (Receptionist, Swansea) – for his professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to help colleagues and members of the public alike.
Nursing Compassionate Leadership Award
George Williams (Clinical Manager, Bangor) – for being a compassionate leader and for putting the patient at the heart of everything he does.
Nursing Innovation Award
Tracey Needham (Lead Nurse for Clinical and Systems Development, Cwmbran) – for improving systems and ensuring the public have access to accurate and up-to-date health advice and information.
Nursing Patient Care Award
Elizabeth Price (Practice Coach, Cwmbran) – for being an excellent role model and delivering high quality patient care.
Team of the Year Award
Business Admin Team (Swansea) – for working collaboratively as a team to improve working practices and deliver first-rate administrative support.
Welsh Language Award
Joanne Hodson (Resilience Manager, St Asaph) – for her commitment to learn Welsh and promotion of the Welsh language among her peers.
Chair’s Award
Veronica Wells (Domestic Cleaner, Swansea) – for going above and beyond and being a much-valued member of the team.
Chief Executive’s Award
Dean Caldwell (Emergency Medical Technician, Barry) – for delivering compassionate patient care and his sterling work to support charities.
Gail Williams Award for Clinical and Operational Excellence
David Green (Paramedic, Tredegar) – for his professionalism and exemplary clinical skills at a complex 999 call
Dr Jennifer Bucknell Community First Responder Award
Presented posthumously to two sorely missed Community First Responders; Bryan Foley, of Barry, who died in June 2020, and Lynn Woolls, of Pontyclun, who died this month
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