Award shows assistant practitioners are integral to physiotherapy

‘We are not just the tea makers,’ said Ms Busby. ‘We are integral members of the team.’

She scooped the award for outstanding achievement by an apprentice, support worker or technician working alongside an allied health professional or healthcare scientist. On 12 April, she collected the accolade at the national Advancing Healthcare awards ceremony.

The judges recognised her key role in implementing and running the Osteoarthritis Self-Management and Independent Living Support Group, known as Oasis, at the Samuel Johnson Hospital in Lichfield.

Ms Busby was nominated by her managers, clinical lead physiotherapists Paula Deacon and Denise Softley.

‘We regularly look for awards that we can nominate our services and staff to,’ said Ms Deacon. ‘It’s important to shout about our work.

‘Emma does fantastic work. She has already been a winner for other awards for the Oasis project, but we thought the Advancing Healthcare award would be recognition for her personally.’

Claire Fordham, CSP professional adviser, said: ‘Emma’s clinical role is totally integral to the service in which she works.

‘The fact that she has now won two awards for the work she is leading on really highlights the value that well trained, well supported and well developed support workers bring to physiotherapy.’-    

Meanwhile, Ms Busby is studying for a Level 5 diploma for assistant practitioners in healthcare. She is a part-time student at the University of Birmingham.

Ms Fordham added: ‘The diploma will further consolidate Emma’s skills and she will achieve a foundation degree, which is due acknowledgement of the level she is working at.’