Physiotherapist recognised with RJAH Stars Award for driving service improvement

A Physiotherapist at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital has been hailed an RJAH Star – for her contribution to service evaluation within the Therapy Team.

Ashleigh Heath, who works as part of the Trauma and Orthopaedic Therapy Team, has led on a service evaluation of Powys Ward which has identified opportunities to enhance patient care, improve staff experience and strengthen therapy services across the Oswestry-based hospital.

Powys Ward is dedicated to caring for patients post-operatively following spinal disorder surgery at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital.

Her efforts were highlighted through a nomination from Melanie Fardoe, Physiotherapist and Quality Lead.

She said: “Ashleigh has demonstrated exceptional commitment and initiative through her leadership of the Powys Ward service evaluation. She has approached this work with professionalism, attention to detail, and a clear focus on improving patient care and staff experience. Her ability to gather, analyse, and present meaningful data has provided valuable insights into current practice and highlighted key opportunities for service development.

“Through this work, Ashleigh has supported the development of staff competencies, particularly for Therapy Support Workers working within the specialist spinal pathway. This has strengthened workforce capability and contributed to safer, more effective patient care.

“Ashleigh consistently demonstrates the Trust values in her day-to-day practice. She is approachable, proactive, and highly motivated to improve services. Her work has not only enhanced local practice but is also informing wider therapy developments, including patient information and pathway improvements.

“Her dedication to quality improvement, patient experience, and team development makes her a highly valued member of the team and a very deserving candidate for this award.”

The RJAH Stars Award is a monthly recognition initiative, celebrating individuals or teams who go above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to patient care, teamwork and excellence.

Ashleigh joined Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital two years ago as a Rotational Physiotherapist and has spent the past year on secondment with the Trauma and Orthopaedic Therapy Team.

She said:“I am incredibly grateful to have received this award, and even more grateful to everyone in the Trauma and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Team who have supported and encouraged me over the past two years.

“The service evaluation project, looking at how care is delivered to spinal disorders patients, really highlighted to me how important service development and quality improvement are. They are essential to delivering the high standard of care our hospital is known for; while ensuring we continue to learn, improve and provide the best possible experience for our patients.

“Through this experience, I’ve developed skills that will shape me as a Physiotherapist, and I hope to continue building on this throughout my career.”

She was presented with her award by Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive, and received a certificate, voucher and chocolates – thanks to the League of Friends.

Stacey said: “Ashleigh’s work is a fantastic example of how service evaluation and quality improvement can make a real difference.

“Her commitment to continuously improving services and supporting colleagues is exactly what the RJAH Stars Award is designed to recognise, and she is a deserving recipient.”