A doctor and an administrator from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s training and development team have each received a regional award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to medical teaching and training.

Dr M K Shashidhara a senior SAS (Specialty and Associate Specialist) doctor and administrator Angela Berry, based at Stepping Hill Hospital, were both given honours at Health Education England North West’s SAS Awards, which celebrate the best in educational support for SAS doctors in the region.

Dr M K Shashidhara, known to friends and colleagues as Shashi, was awarded the trophy of SAS Tutor / Lead of the Year. He began work at Stepping Hill Hospital 15 years ago, and has been an SAS tutor there for 13 years. A leading figure in the trust’s training and development theme, he has been a key part of  raising their profile to the national stage, making Stepping Hill Hospital a leading centre of training in areas such as clinical leadership and management, and Advanced Trauma Life Support programmes, for SAS doctors from across the region and beyond.

He is also the deputy lead for the quality of the global medical program run by Edge Hill University and Wigan Wrightington and Leigh NHS Trust. Shashi was recognised for going above and beyond in helping doctors with their training progression, supporting their expertise to provide the very best in care.

Angela Berry was given the title of SAS Administrator of the Year, in a joint prize with Paula Harris of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The title acknowledges those who have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment in helping SAS doctors to develop their role. The honour is a fitting end to Angela’s career as she retired earlier in the year after eight years service as a friend, mentor and helper for SAS and international medical graduates at Stepping Hill Hospital.

A ceremony for the SAS Awards was held online due to Covid19 restrictions.

Gill Burrows, Medical Director for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “Having first class training is an integral part of the care and treatment we offer with our services, and we’re proud that our training and development team is able to support other hospitals with their training and education too. Shashi and Angela have been crucial in keeping our standards high over the years and I’m very pleased for them both that they’ve been recognised at the SAS Awards in this way.”