NHS staff recognised for their work supporting students
Staff from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust have been awarded four coveted titles at the Health and Care Mentor Awards 2024, hosted by University of Worcester.
Held each year, the awards celebrate mentors in health and social care from across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, and the wider West Midlands area.
Winners are honoured for their outstanding contribution to mentoring students who are studying at the University of Worcester and undertaking workplace-based training. 
This year, staff from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust were recognised for their commitment to supporting students while on placement within their services. The winners include:
- Outstanding Mentor of Nursing Students/Apprentices (adult) – Claire Beaumont, Staff Nurse
- Outstanding Mentor of Nursing Students/Apprentices (mental health) – Martin Barnes, Community Psychiatric Nurse
- Outstanding Mentor of Post Qualifying Practice Students/Apprentices – Maxine Palmer, Advance Nurse Practitioner
- Outstanding Practice Learning Environment – Oak House, Hereford
The awards are a platform for students to nominate professionals and organisations who have made a significant impact on their experience and development – the work placement element of their degrees.
Mentors not only support students with the practical and medical aspects of their role, but also provide a safe environment where they can learn from mistakes and develop as a well-rounded professional.
Student who nominated Claire said, “[Claire’s] contributions have not only facilitated my personal and professional growth but have also had a significant, positive impact on the broader healthcare community. [Her] legacy of inspiring and shaping the careers of healthcare professionals is a testament to her deserving this honour.”
Such words of kindness were also shared by the student who nominated Maxine. They said, “I could not have asked for a better guide or mentor through the toughest time in my life and she certainly deserves recognition for excellence in the mentor role, with careful guidance and her excellent mentorship, she allowed me to believe in myself and achieve my overall goals.”
On behalf of the Trust, Phill Morgan-Henshaw, Deputy Director of Nursing, attended the prestigious event. He said, “I was proud to be present to see the great work of several of the Trust’s excellent mentors recognised. The delivery of excellence in mentoring and supervision is critical to instilling the compassion and care that I know all our winners exhibit in the next generation of health care staff.”
“On behalf of all the Trust, I would like to extend congratulations to all our winners and once again share how proud I am that their efforts have been recognised and celebrated.” 
The Trust is one of the main healthcare providers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and provides a range of opportunities for current university students, as well as those wanting to step into healthcare.
From medical and nursing roles, to administrative and facilities roles, the Trust is always looking for motivated individuals to step into healthcare and develop their career in the NHS.
You can find a range of exciting opportunities on the Trust’s website.