A physiotherapist from north Derbyshire has received a lifetime achievement award for ‘unwavering commitment’ to the NHS over more than 30 years.
Fiona Paul works at the Cavendish Hospital in Buxton, where she is the quality and governance lead for planned care services for outpatient physiotherapy, occupational therapy and musculoskeletal services.
Her colleagues at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust nominated her for the trust’s annual Extra Mile Awards, and Mrs Paul was honoured at a ceremony at Derby’s Roundhouse in July.
She told Frontline: ‘I work with an amazing team and for a great organisation and am very humbled to have been even nominated for this award.
‘Over the last few years, one of the things I am most proud of is the work I have done into the development of advanced physiotherapy practice within our organisation.
‘We now have a team of 18, 8a advanced physiotherapy practitioners, plus a wider team of band 7 clinical specialist physiotherapists, with skills such as prescribing, referral for diagnostics and injections.
‘And we are working with our local commissioners to deliver a care and assessment treatment service and first contact practitioners in GP practices.’
CSP rep experience
She added that, during her career, she has also been a local and regional CSP representative and an active member of her local CSP board.
‘I would encourage younger physios to consider these roles,’ she said.
‘As I feel it has given me a better understanding of wider NHS and given me many skills that I have used throughout my career.’
Engaging and supporting staff
Mrs Paul’s colleague Trish Bailey, deputy assistant director of planned care and specialist services, was one of the people who nominated her for the award.
She said: ‘Fiona has exemplified leadership and compassion in all aspects of her working life, engaging and supporting staff at all levels to realise their full potential, using her natural talent and experience to provide a rich vein of support and advice.
‘The nomination allowed us to give just a hint of the impact Fiona has had on patients, colleagues and services over a 34 year period.’
Other team members
Outpatient physiotherapy also featured in three other awards.
Teams at Babington and St Oswald’s Hospitals and operational lead for the north of the county and physio Mike Wrigglesworth were nominated for two aspiring and improving innovation awards.
And physiotherapy team administrator Maureen Bennett was put forward for the Behind the scenes hero award.
Author: Robert Millett
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