Mentor awards

Two members of staff and one student nurse were commended in the first ever King’s Health Partners student and mentor nursing and midwifery awards.

The awards recognised examples of excellence in mentorship and clinical education among the partner hospitals of King’s College Hospital, South London and Maudseley and us.

Staff nurses Emma Sayers, Frances McManamon and student Claire Boutal won in their respective categories.

Students and mentors were asked to nominate individuals who they felt had excelled, giving reasons for their choice. Winners were chosen by a panel which included Eileen Sills, Chief Nurse, and Professor Geraldine Walters, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at King’s College Hospital.

One of the winners in the mentor category was Emma Sayers, a senior staff nurse on the Gynaecology ward. She said: “I felt quite touched when I discovered that I had been nominated, especially as I work with a fantastic team of nurses on the ward who are all deserving of such an honour.

“When I won the award, I felt quite humble especially when I had heard the supporting statement from the student who had nominated me. I felt extremely proud that I had been recognised for the work I do with all of the students who have clinical placements on the war.”

The full list of winners were:

Mentors – St Thomas’

• Winner: Emma Sayers
• Runners up – Rebecca Brien and Holly Barton

Mentors – Guy’s

• Winner: Frances McManamon
• Runners up: Janet Armstrong and Thais Creary

Students

• Winner: Claire Boutal
• Runners up: Amina Ayaz

Commenting on the awards, Chief Nurse Eileen Sills said: “We are absolutely delighted to support the first ever student and mentor awards. It is so important to recognise the huge effort of our mentors who often go the extra mile for students and on many occasions are our unsung heroes.

“We hope for an even bigger event next year.”