North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust has been named as a finalist in three categories of Keele University’s Health and Care Partnership Awards 2023.
The trust has been nominated in the ‘Exemplary Educator’, ‘Keele Alumni Achievement’ and ‘Exemplary Placement Provider’ categories in the forthcoming awards ceremony.
In the ‘Exemplary Educator’ category, the trust’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Dennis Okolo, Medical Education Manager Lisa Lummis and her team have been recognised for their work in ensuring a smooth introduction process for the brand new Physician Associate Apprenticeship Programme that has been introduced by Keele University, together with outstanding placements and teaching for the undergraduate students.
Lisa said: “We are deeply honoured to have been selected as finalists for the ‘Exemplary Educator’ Award. The Medical Education Team is dedicated to enhancing the placement experience, elevating the quality of teaching, and providing innovative opportunities for students. This reflects the outstanding nature of Combined Healthcare.
“We are really proud to be a part of the Physician Associate Apprenticeship Programme’s first ever cohort, and looking forward to the integration of this programme with Keele University and our trust. The invaluable support from the inspiring and enthusiastic individuals at Combined and Keele has been instrumental in making all of this possible.”
Keele University graduate and Practice Education Facilitator and Learning Disability Nurse at Combined Healthcare Lincoln Gombedza is a finalist in the ‘Keele Alumni Achievement’ category for his career progress and achievements to date since graduation.
Lincoln commented: “I’m profoundly grateful to be recognised as a finalist in the ‘Keele Alumni Achievement’ category. This honour is a testament to the journey that began at Keele University and has since evolved into a career where I now have the privilege of supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. My deepest thanks go to our trust Executive team for nominating me, and to my manager, Hector Musonza, for his invaluable support since I began my nursing career.
“A significant aspect of my role involves fostering a nurturing and educational environment for students, a commitment shaped by the positive relationship North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust has with Keele University. This collaboration is vital, not only for my professional growth but in enhancing our collective capacity to deliver exceptional healthcare.”
The third finalist for the trust is Combined Healthcare’s Staff Nurse Jackie Watts, who has been shortlisted in the ‘Exemplary Placement Provider’ category for her work with and support to Keele University students on Ward 7, Harplands Hospital.
Dr Buki Adeyemo, Chief Executive, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “It is fantastic to have three sets of finalists for the trust in this year’s Keele University Health and Care Partnership Awards. Partnerships is one of the key pillars in Combined Healthcare’s Trust Strategy 2023 – 2028 and we have a long and positive working relationship with Keele University, as well as being a teaching trust for them, so it is great to support these awards.”
Run by the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Keele University Health and Care Partnership Awards celebrate the institution’s work with health and care partners in the area and recognise excellence in collaboration and partnership.
The awards ceremony takes place at Keele Hall, Keele University on 23 November 2023.