Jemma is named Rising Star at Trust award ceremony page thumbnail

A ward sister who began her nursing career as a health care support worker has been named 'Rising Star' at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (MPFT's) Better Together Awards.

Ward Sister Jemma Applewhite works at the Hatherton Centre at St George’s Hospital in Stafford. She began her career as a healthcare support worker and was seconded to a ward sister role just 12 months ago. She is also shortly to become the first Non-Medical Prescriber on the unit which provides medium secure mental health services.

Award judges commented that "Jemma stood out from a very strong field to win this award". They were particularly struck by her ability to balance the needs of her patients, her team and her own development towards being a Nurse Practitioner.

The Midlands Partnership Better Together Awards are designed to recognise exceptional contributions to service, by individuals and teams, by clinical and non clinical staff. Over 165 nominations were received for the eight awards and following a rigorous process, supported by some of the Trust’s Governor Members and service users, the best entries were shortlisted, only finding out if they were winners on the night.

380 local NHS staff attended the event, held on 8 November 2018 at the Staffordshire County Showground, which is also an important opportunity for sharing good practice and helping staff to understand their role in the wider service. MPFT provides physical and mental health, learning disability and adult social care services across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Shropshire, but also psychological therapies; drug and alcohol services in prisons; and care for serving MOD personnel across the country.

Neil Carr, Chief Executive said: “One of the Trust’s core objectives is to make this a fantastic place to work where staff feel positive and proud to be part of the organisation. We know that we cannot deliver effective services without well trained and supported staff and believe that offering real recognition in the form of this awards ceremony has a real part to play in creating an enthusiastic, committed and confident workforce.”