The award ceremony, held this year on 20 October for the first time since 2019, is an annual event where healthcare professionals from a diverse range of roles come together to recognise and celebrate the amazing contributions of their colleagues. Individuals are encouraged to nominate their peers for notable contributions in a variety of categories including ‘Patient Champion’, ‘Inclusion Champion’ and ‘Medical Team of the Year’.
Hosted by Radio Heart DJ David ‘Dixie’ Dixon at the Doncaster Dome, over 350 staff members attended the evening to hear the inspiring stories of the fantastic nominees and winners. The ‘Rising Star’ award recognises apprentices, students and individuals in new roles for their dedication to learning and ambition in enhancing their skills.
This year the award was presented to Bethany Trout, Apprentice Therapy Assistant in Physiotherapy Outpatients, for the remarkable development she has made in her new role.
Bethany began working for the Trust this year as part of her Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship at Doncaster College – a qualification that allows her to apply her knowledge and learn practical skills whilst working. As part of her healthcare qualification, she is expected to undertake a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks across multiple departments to hone her skills and gain valuable hospital experience.
Her nominators commended her tenacity for pursuing a career in healthcare and passion in supporting her team to be the best that it can be. This enthusiasm for learning not only shines through Bethany’s dedication to her apprenticeship but also her initiative to enrol on a further two distance learning courses in mental health awareness and falls prevention at Dearne Valley College, with plans to complete more in the future.
Currently, Bethany is working within the Trust’s physiotherapy department which helps patients of all ages affected by injury, illness and disability by offering advice, manual therapy and movement exercise techniques. The department strives to encourage development and facilitate recovery to improve patients’ independence and help them to manage pain.
Her nominator, Victoria Wright, Physiotherapy Assistant at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, said: “She is a pleasure to work with and an absolute credit to the Trust. I am incredibly lucky to be able to work alongside her.”
In such a short time, Bethany has thrived in her role of Therapy Assistant by going above and beyond to ensure her patients feel supported whilst under the team’s care. For example, she has launched a project with her colleague to better coordinate a system for welcoming and admitting patients with musculoskeletal conditions. These patients experience severe pain that affect their bones, joints and muscles and may require additional support when attending hospital appointments. Bethany proactively rings her patients to assess if they require adjustments for their appointment and gives them the opportunity to ask questions. In doing this Bethany aims to help reduce any concerns or anxieties her patients may have.
To further support her patients, Bethany attaches a ‘therapist passport’ to appointment letters which include details of the therapist’s name and photo of them in uniform. This considerate action helps patients to familiarise themselves with their therapist before arrival and feel more comfortable about attending their appointment. Through this friendly and compassionate approach to her role Bethany has received excellent feedback from her patients, praising her for her positive attitude and attentive nature.
Zoe Lintin, Chief People Officer at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “Well done to Bethany for a fantastic start in her new role. It’s wonderful to see new colleagues embark on their healthcare journey with us and make such superb contributions to our service so early on. I wish Bethany every success completing her qualifications and in her promising future career at DBTH.”
Speaking about this recognition after the Star Awards, Bethany said: “I had an amazing evening, it was so lovely to celebrate alongside friends, family and colleagues. I felt so lucky to be nominated – never mind actually win the award. I love my job at DBTH and I can’t wait to do this for many years to come!”
The Trust takes great pride in recognising the notable contributions of amazing staff members across all departments both in clinical, non-clinical and support roles. Each year the number of nominations increases, making it harder for the judging panel to decide between so many worthy nominees. It is sure to be another memorable event next year.