A Stockport NHS worker who supports colleagues with their education and training has been presented with a national award for excellence.

Julie Anderson, a practice development facilitator in the learning and development team based at Stepping Hill Hospital, was presented with the Chief Nursing Officer Award for Healthcare Support Excellence from NHS England, which she received as a presentation badge at a ceremony in London together with other winners from across the country.

Julie’s job is to provide educational support to NHS support workers based at both both Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services in Stockport. She was awarded for her dedication and commitment not just in her main role, but also her work with the national Healthcare Support Worker programme which helps educators in other organisations to improve the educational experiences of their support workers. 

Katherine Stevenson, Nursing Workforce Senior Policy Manager, NHS England said “Julie is one of the most committed individuals I have come across. Not only does she strive to ensure support workers in her organisation are receiving the best possible induction and training, she has generously dedicated her time outside of her role to the national programme to support educators in other organisations to improve the educational experiences of their support workers. Without her the programme would not have reached nearly as many healthcare support workers. “

The Chief Nursing Officer Award for Healthcare Support Excellence and the Chief Midwifery Officer Awards for Maternity Support Excellence are new awards from NHS England which recognise healthcare support workers and maternity support workers who consistently demonstrate the NHS values and behaviours when fulfilling their everyday roles to provide excellent patient care; and who are an inspiration to their colleagues and the patients they care for.

Nic Firth, Chief Nurse for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “We are all delighted that the passion and commitment that Julie to her education support for colleagues has been recognised with this award, it really is fantastic news and much deserved.”