Emergency Department Health Care Assistant at Worcestershire Royal shortlisted for national Student Nursing Times Award

Thursday 23 March 2023

A Health Care Assistant who works in the Emergency Department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital has been shortlisted for a national Student Nursing Times Award.

Savannah Richards who has been working for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust for over five years has been nominated for the annual award by University of Worcester where, alongside her role, she is training to be a Nursing Associate.

Shortlisted for Nursing Associate Trainee of the Year award, Savannah will attend the award ceremony in London on 28 April where the winners will be announced.

Speaking about the shortlist, Savannah said: “I feel honoured to be put forward for this award by University of Worcester with so many other wonderful students. Highlighting my hard work has given me a real boost in confidence.

“I’ve been working in the Emergency Department at Worcestershire Royal for over five years and really enjoy the fast-paced environment as well as working in a fantastic team who are all focused on putting patients first.

“I joined the Nursing Associate course in September 2021 after encouragement from my manager and will finish this summer. Once qualified, additional responsibilities such as administering medication will help bridge the gap between Nurses and Health Care Assistants. 

“I have a young child so was apprehensive about studying and working at the same time but the flexibility this course and the Trust has offered with protected independent study time and set days on placement has really fit around my life. So much so, I hope to join a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship next year to continue on the path to further my skills.”

Emergency Department Matron and Savannah’s manager at Worcestershire Royal, Donna Jeynes talked about the difference the additional skills have made to the department and to Savannah: “Savannah is one of the first nursing associate students that we have supported from the Emergency Department, and we are so proud of her.

“Savannah is the definition of nursing, she is compassionate, puts her patients first, works well with the team and I am excited to see how she progresses over the next few years. She’s a rising star and deserves all the recognition that she is receiving.”