Dedicated mental health staff shortlisted for prestigious national awards
Two dedicated staff at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) have been nationally recognised for their commitment to inclusive, compassionate and effective mental health care.
Priscilla Nzounhenda, who is leading the Trust’s transformative Listening into Action programme, has been shortlisted for the Compassionate and Inclusive Leader Award by the National B.A.M.E (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) Health and Care Awards 2024.
She has also been shortlisted for Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year in the Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2024.
Rita Welham, Ethnic Minority Staff Support Officer at NSFT, has been shortlisted by the National B.A.M.E Health and Care Awards 2024 for the Health and Wellbeing Advocate Award.
They “truly shone through a sea of outstanding entries”, said awards organisers.
Priscilla, who has been an inspirational deputy lead nurse in Secure Services, matron in psychiatric intensive care and was featured as a role model by The Nursing Times, said: “It’s such a nice surprise to be shortlisted. I feel very honoured. Especially because these awards recognise the important role played by staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and the value they bring to leadership roles.”
Rita, who was appointed to her current role after her support of colleagues from black and minority ethnic backgrounds during the pandemic proved so effective in improving staff wellbeing, said: “I am deeply touched to have been nominated and delighted to be shortlisted. Staff wellbeing is so important to patient care and I feel privileged to play my part in supporting our B.A.M.E and international colleagues.”
Cath Byford, Deputy CEO and Chief People Officer at NSFT, said: “I am very proud of Priscilla and Rita for this achievement. It shows recognition at a national level of their unfailing commitment to providing safer, kinder, better care to patients and colleagues. Compassionate leadership and a commitment to staff wellbeing, inclusion and diversity are key ingredients to improving together as a Trust: improving health, improving care, improving culture and improving value.”
The National B.A.M.E Health and Care Awards were launched in 2019 to champion black, Asian and minority ethnic talent and innovation in the health and care sector. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 26 September 2024.
The Nursing Times Workforce Awards shine a light on those excelling in nurse recruitment and retention, wellbeing and inclusion. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 28 November 2024.