Sarah Wakelin honoured with Chief Nursing Officer Award for her outstanding contribution to healthcare

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust is proud to announce that Sarah Wakelin, a dedicated Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) at the hospital, has been awarded a prestigious Chief Nursing Officer Award on behalf of the Chief Nurse of England.

This accolade recognises the vital contribution of Healthcare Support Workers in England and celebrates their exceptional support of nursing and midwifery practice.

Sarah joined the Trust in October 2022 and quickly become a cornerstone of her busy surgical ward. She was nominated for the award by the Practice Education and Development Team for embodying the Trust's values and for her compassionate, professional approach to care.

This Chief Nursing Officer Award is a testament to Sarah’s hard work, empathy, and leadership. Her unwavering commitment to patient well-being and her colleagues serves as an inspiration and highlights the essential role of Healthcare Support Workers within the NHS

"Sarah is an exceptional HCSW who truly goes above and beyond for both our patients and her colleagues, she embodies the values of our Trust," said Natalie Green, Chief Nursing Officer at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust.

"Her commitment to nurturing new starters is incredible. Her colleagues who have said that without Sarah’s guidance, they might have left their roles early in their careers."

Sarah's impact extends to supporting new students, with her proactive approach helping create a supportive, developmental environment for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

In her work with patients, Sarah is a passionate advocate for their needs. She works closely with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to champion patient mobility and prevent deconditioning, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care both before and after surgery.