The new bursary was set up in memory of Sandra our much-loved and greatly missed colleague, who sadly died in May 2020 after testing positive for Covid-19.
Sandra Hicks was a lead practice development teacher at Southmead hospital and was known as an inspirational nurse, friend, colleague and mentor who had a passion for supporting her learners throughout their journey.
Sandra’s friends and family wanted to ensure her legacy would continue to help shape and enhance our apprentice’s experience for many years to come. So, in October they walked 10 million steps in six weeks and raise £3,000, in honour of Sandra.
We are delighted to announce that the recipients of the Sandra Hicks bursary are Sarah McCann, Don Judan and Sarah Sheppard who were all chosen by Sandra’s family for their dedication and passion to their apprenticeship.
Read their full nominations below.
Sarah McCann, Senior Healthcare Support Worker was awarded Sandra Hicks Apprentice of the Year.
Nominated by Amy McCallum and Lewis Hacker
Sarah has consistently modelled the Trust values both in her studies and workplace.
Sarah has continuously strived for excellence during her English Functional Skills course. Even working in the hospital during Covid-19 she found and made the time to complete her studying and attend her 1:1s on Zoom. She consistently demonstrated diligence and enthusiasm towards her work. I particularly admired the way Sarah took her learning from her English classes and applied her knowledge, understanding and skills outside the classroom.
Sarah demonstrates a “can do” attitude in the department and equally in her studies. She has shown determination and self-motivation throughout the apprenticeship overcoming barrier after barrier with a tenacity not often seen.
Sarah’s passion for care to put the patients first is evident in her willingness to go above and beyond for the department and her patients. Sarah is the embodiment of what our trust wants from health care professionals, kind, caring, passionate and above all puts the patients first. Without people like Sarah NBT wouldn’t be able to function.
Don Judan, Healthcare Support Worker was one of our runners up.
Nominated by Julie Chaibi
Don is an incredibly hard-working HCA who is an absolute pleasure to mentor. He is so grateful for all the opportunities offered to him and does all his work to an excellent standard.
Don shows dedication to his job, his patients, his ward and the team he works alongside. He does not ask for recognition or praise.
Don would not expect this nomination. Don does not recognise his abilities to show such great care and kindness, not just to the patients he cares for but to the whole apprenticeship team and our functional skills teachers.
Sarah Sheppard, Senior Healthcare Support Worker was also one of our runners up.
Nominated by Vicky Turner
Sarah started in the Trust as a receptionist working on Cotswold. From this Sarah applied for a healthcare role within the Cotswold team. Within the department, Sarah has to support women with their grief of the loss of their babies.
Sarah has shown a huge amount of progression and interest to progress further within healthcare. She has undertaken many clinical skills such as venepuncture. She struggled with her confidence with this clinical skill at first, but is now confident within this and carries out this task as part of her daily shift. She is due to start her TNA post in September. Her work is always outstanding.