Prestigious Dame Agnes Hunt Medals celebrate Team RJAH

Five exceptional members of staff at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital have been recognised during its Annual Nursing and Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Celebration Event.

The event, now in its third year, celebrates nursing and AHP teams across the Oswestry-based hospital by recognising key achievements over the past 12 months, including the presentation the prestigious Dame Agnes Hunt Medals.

The medals – named in honour of Dame Agnes Hunt, co-founder of the Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital – aim to celebrate individuals who exemplify compassion, professionalism and dedication to exceptional patient care.

Craig Lammas, Resuscitation Officer, won the Dame Agnes Hunt Nursing Medal, which was first introduced in 2017, for his exceptional training delivery and programmes, calm leadership in emergencies, and unwavering support for staff.

The Dame Agnes Hunt AHP Medal was awarded to Physiotherapist Rob Fox who runs the Intensive Inpatient Physiotherapy Service. He was awarded the medal for managing all aspects of the service single-handedly and the life-changing impact he has on patients. 

Becky Buckingham, Orthotics Assistant, was presented the Dame Agnes Hunt Healthcare Support Worker Medal for her work in supporting the diabetic foot clinic, including helping develop a new stock footwear system that is saving time. 

This year’s event saw the presentation of the inaugural Sam Young Innovation and Improvement Award, created in memory of former Interim Chief Nurse Sam Young who passed away earlier this year. Lisa Davies-Jones, Pre-Operative Assessment Unit Manager, won this award for her leadership of a new health screening initiative designed to reduce last-minute surgery cancellations.  

Finally, a Special Recognition Award was presented to Ian MacLennan, Assistant Chief Nurse, who will soon retire after a distinguished NHS career spanning approximately four decades.  

Sarah Needham, Interim Chief Nurse and Patient Safety Officer, presented all the awards to the winners. She said: “It’s a privilege to celebrate the remarkable contributions of our nursing and AHP workforce. 

“I must say a special congratulations to all our medal winners – they are all deserving winners, although it was a tough choice with over 40 nominations submitted across the categories.”