Recognising and celebrating excellence in practice

For the third year running, Cardiff University, School of Healthcare Sciences held an event to celebrate their partnerships with clinical practice. The event was an opportunity to showcase the excellent opportunities offered to students across the many health and social care environments in Wales.

The event received positive feedback from guests and nominees. Comments from attendees included:

‘Really good, felt all the nominees were celebrated.’

‘Good mix of student and educator awards, and speaker.’

‘The whole celebration was lovely, thank you.’

Guests noted that the highlights of the day included:

‘Having the opportunity to meet practice partners and hear about their work and how they support students like myself.’

‘Seeing how pleased the clinicians were to receive recognition for their contributions.’

The event took place at the Park Plaza, Cardiff on Wednesday 12^th September 2018 and was attended by over one hundred guests from across Wales. It was hosted by Professor David Whitaker, Head of School and Dean, School of Healthcare Sciences, who gave the opening address and Professor Dianne Watkins, Deputy Head, International and Engagement, School of Healthcare Sciences, who presented the awards.

The event honoured those who have made an outstanding contribution to clinical practice education and was a chance to celebrate the successes of the school’s best mentors, educators, teams and students. Further, to acknowledge the impact made by nominees to the lives of others, as well as their influence on the care of patients and clients.

This year, Jane Martin, Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board was the winner of the Special Recognition Award. Jane received this award in appreciation of her many years as placement coordinator for Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, working closely with both practice educators and the School of Healthcare Sciences. Sally Collins, Senior Physiotherapist, Cwm Taf University Health Board and Helen Nicholas, Community Midwife, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board were presented with Runner Up Special Recognition Awards, in acknowledgement of their longstanding commitment to the School.

This year a new Best Welsh Mentor award was introduced, in celebration of the School’s commitment to the Welsh Language. Nominations for this award were made across all professions and programmes, by students who have been on placement with Welsh speaking mentors and educated through the medium of Welsh. Catrin Davies, Community Physiotherapy Team, Hywel Dda University Health Board was awarded Best Welsh Mentor, with Lowri Pearce, Rhymney Ward, Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board awarded Runner Up.

A moving closing speech was given by Dr Chris Jones CBE, Chair of the newly formed Health Education and Improvement Wales.

Professor Dianne Watkins, Deputy Head, International and Engagement, School of Healthcare Sciences commented ‘This event is a celebration of the School of Healthcare Sciences’ partnership with practice and the excellent opportunities and support offered to our students throughout the many health and social care environments across Wales.'

For further information on the celebratory event, please contact the Healthcare Sciences Marketing Team at HCAREmarketing@cardiff.ac.uk.