Justine Jarvis, Jayne Lewis, Emma Croft, Amanda Jones and Emma Leaver celebrated the inaugural BEE Award.

Community dietitian Jayne Lewis had a great big surprise when she was conducting a 1-2-1 at Littlemore with her line manager Justine Jarvis, and in marched a delegation of managers with flowers and gifts. They were service manager Emma Leaver, interim Allied Health professions lead Emma Croft and operations manager Amanda Jones who came to present Jayne with the Trust’s first ever BEE award.

Jayne was picked from 28 nominations for the inaugural award and the plan was to present it in the AHP day at Kassam. Alas, Jayne was unable to attend on that day and an alternative plot was hatched. This entailed coaxing Jayne for “an important meeting” in real life at Littlemore.

“I thought it was a bit odd, like maybe the internet was down!” Jayne mused when the truth dawned on her.

Emma Croft read out Jayne’s nomination which praised her calm approach as a sole practitioner for children and young adults, who are enterally fed in their own home. Emma Leaver confirmed:

“You are entirely unique: we all feel it when you are not around!”

Jayne was moved to tears by the recognition.

“I have worked at the NHS for 42 years and it is only in the last few years that AHPs have started to get recognition. I would really like to dedicate this award to all of them – my job would be very different if they weren’t there!”

In addition to a certificate and a beautiful handmade glass sculpture, the BEE award comes with a bag of goodies such as honey (of course!) And Jayne’s extraordinary presentation came with an extra duty: she was persuaded to do an Oscar-style video greeting which was played in the AHP day at the Kassam Stadium the following day.

More celebrations at AHP Day

CEO Dr Nick Broughton presented Emma Tucker and Sally Burne with their highly commended BEE Awards.

At the AHP day, CEO Dr Nick Broughton officially launched the BEE awards, and presented certificates to the inaugural highly commended AHPs: post COVID rehabilitation coordinator Emma Tucker and dietitian Sally Burne.

Nick revealed he has a soft spot for AHPs as he is married to one – although not to one at Oxford Health. “I don’t think she’d like to work for me!” he joked, and continued:

“During my career I’ve seen the positive attitude you had and the difference you make. I am humbled by the incredible work you do in incredibly difficult circumstances. I want Oxford Health to be an organisation that supports all AHPs, and I am committed to doing this.”

Nominate someone excellent now

The BEE Awards have been set up to acknowledge and reward the excellent work of our Allied Health Professionals (AHP’s) and social workers within Oxford Health. If you have received excellent care and treatment, this is your opportunity to say thank you. See who you can nominate and make a nomination online here.