Passion for improvement wins nurse RJAH Stars Award

A nurse at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has been recognised with October’s RJAH Stars Award – for her passion and commitment to improvement.

Tamika Roberts, Staff Nurse on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI), has been praised for her enthusiasm, positivity and dedicated for improving patient care.

She was nominated by Olivia Evans, Improvement, Innovation and Effectiveness Facilitator, and Anne Worrall, Legacy Nurse for Improvement, after recently completing the Improvement Champions Programme - an internal CPD-accredited course that supports staff to develop improvement skills and implement meaningful change.

Olivia said: "Throughout the Improvement Champions Programme, Tamika demonstrated genuine commitment to improving patient care and team working.

"She brought energy, positivity and a real sense of fun to the group, as well as being an active participant who's always willing to share ideas and support others."

Anne added: "Her skills and knowledge as a nurse on MCSI are invaluable, and she consistently seeks ways to improve services for both patients and staff.

"It has been a real pleasure to work alongside Tamika, and we are excited to see what the future holds for her at RJAH. A true superwoman in all aspects of her life!"

She was presented her award from Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive, consisting of a certificate, voucher and chocolates.

"I was so elated to receive the award," said Tamika. "It left me speechless. It was so emotional."

Tamika came to RJAH in June 2023 and said she was loving the experience. She said the Improvement Champions Programme, to which her contribution has seen her win this award, proved invaluable. 

She added: "Coming here has broadened my horizons and my perspective of nursing to be more than just bedside nursing. It's been so exciting. My project for Improvement Champions was patient education, in terms of enhancing the delivery of education to patients here on MCSI, and trying to diversify in terms of the delivery method. 

"I'm in the process still of trying to get it on the interactive wall so that patients can experience their education in a different setting and a different mode. The programme did help - you think doing a project is simply having an idea, but there is so much more to implementing it, and the programme helped me understand the different stages to make it a reality.

The RJAH Stars Award is a monthly award that celebrates individuals or teams who go above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in patient care.

Stacey said: "Tamika's drive to improve services and enhance patient education perfectly represents continuous improvement we strive for at RJAH.

"She has shown incredible creativity, leadership and enthusiasm through her work on MCSI and the Improvement Champions Programme, and she is truly deserving of this recognition."