We are The Christie magazine July 2025 Staff edition

Staff edition: stories

S usy honoured with two national awards for wound care Susy Pramod, our lead tissue viability nurse, has been recognised with two national awards for her outstanding contribution to wound care. She was named Wound Care Nurse of the Year at the British Journal of Nursing Awards. The award recognised her work to introduce a skin tone assessment into our pressure ulcer risk assessment – helping staff better identify and treat wounds across all skin tones. What began as a pilot is now part of our routine practice and training, and Susy has supported other hospitals to introduce similar approaches.

Brian Hall

A recipe for success: Brian’s award-winning career change Brian Hall, one of our Pharmacy Services Assistant Apprentices, has been named Health and Science Apprentice of the Year 2025 at the Preston College Awards. Brian started life at The Christie with our catering team nearly six years ago, but always had a plan. “My intention was to do 12 months in the kitchen and then work my way onto the wards,” he explains. Despite working his way up to head chef in the kitchen, Brian knew he wanted a more patient-facing role having come from a background in mental health support work. “When the apprentice opportunity came up in pharmacy, I just went for it,” he says. He’s now studying for full qualification and is thriving in the department. “It was a bit daunting going back into education. I hadn’t done academic work for years,” says Brian. “But I’ve had great support from the team, and I’m really enjoying it.” His college tutor, Jen Bradshaw, said, “Brian’s empathy for the patients and staff is outstanding and he has all the attributes to be a really successful pharmacy technician.” He has embraced both the training and the on-site work, which

In May, she received the Rising Star Award from the Society of Tissue Viability, for her dedication and leadership in skin health and wound healing. Susy said, “to be honoured with the

Susy Pramod

Wound Care Nurse of the Year and Rising Star award is deeply humbling. These awards are not just personal milestones; they represent the spirit of excellence and compassionate care that The Christie embodies. Being celebrated in the wound care field is a tribute to every patient, every colleague, and the shared drive to make a difference where it matters most.”

Celebrating our commUNITY: EDI event marks network group launch

includes ward and patient top-ups, dispensing, date checking, and communication between the pharmacy and departments. “It's a really good team to work in. You're trusted to get on with your rota, but if you need help or training, it’s always there. We’ve got great communication systems in place and everyone supports each other,” reflects Brian. The award was validation for all of the hard work he’s put in. Reflecting on the big win,

"Brian’s empathy for the patients and staff is outstanding and he has all the attributes to be a really successful pharmacy technician." Jen Bradshaw, Brian's tutor

Thank you to everyone who

Novlette and Eve presenting EDI certifcates

joined us online and in the auditorium for our EDI celebration

and staff network launch event in June. The event marked the formal launch of our eight staff network groups, which offer a voice for colleagues who are underrepresented across the Trust. The celebration featured live performances from Supritha Copinathan and Ben Heyworth, and certificates were presented by Eve Lightfoot, Director of Workforce, to staff who completed the Promoting EDI in the Workplace course. Dr Novlette Balela OBE (Hon), EDI Manager said, “Thank you to everyone who attended in the auditorium and online. It was a great success – what a treat to see the incredible performances and support for our new staff networks. Huge thanks to the event planning team for helping to make it happen.” As part of the launch, our network groups hosted Lunch and Learn sessions throughout June, with topics including ‘Unseen struggles: hidden disabilities in the workplace’ and ‘Keeping the faith’. To find out more or join a staff network, visit HIVE.

Brian said, “I got an email nomination from the college and then Jenny, our tutor, came to do an observation and she was really impressed. A couple of things came up mid-task and I dealt with them quickly so nurses could get what they needed for their patients.” “The event was amazing; a video played as I went up for the award, and it was great to have Jenny and my trainer Anne-Marie there. I even got a trophy and a voucher! But most of all, it just felt like a brilliant compliment.” Now, Brian is looking ahead to his next challenge - progressing to a Level 3 qualification and eventually becoming a pharmacy technician. “I’ve done loads of different jobs in my time, but I’m happiest when I’m in a role where I’m helping others. I’ve never once woken up and thought, ‘I don’t fancy going in today.’ That says it all really,” he added. Brian’s story is a great example of how colleagues can grow and develop through our Trust apprenticeship programmes. Learn more here.

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