“Well-deserved winner” scoops national award
A hardworking Southend Hospital member of staff, who has worked in the NHS for over 30 years, is celebrating after winning a national award and being told they hope to “see his ideas rolled out across the NHS and social care.”
Scott Turner, a Learning Disability and Autism Liaison Practitioner, was called a “well-deserved winner” and hailed for the passion he has for his role at the Learning Disability and Autism Awards, which saw him take home The Support Worker Award (Not for Profit).
Throughout his career he has passionately cared for patients in both the community and hospital with his continued work having had a huge impact in the lives of patients.
This includes identifying and making reasonable adjustments such as changes to sound or brightness levels, flexibility in how and where patients are cared for and promoting communication aids and Makaton (a form of signing and symbols language).
Of the win, Scott said: “It’s amazing to be given this recognition at a national level. It means an awful lot and shows how we continually work to make sure we help improve the learning disability and or autism patient experience and make a real difference in the lives of those visiting the hospital.
“To be told that it’s hoped some of my ideas will be rolled out across the NHS and social care was like the icing on the cake. It’s great that our hard work across the Trust has been recognised in this way.”
The same awards ceremony also saw the oVRcome Project Team at the Trust to be Highly Commended in The Making a Difference Award (Team).
They showcased their partnership and a commitment to inclusion, improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities and autism by the innovative use of VR exposure therapy, which helps reduce hospital visit anxiety by enhancing the patient experience.