Six Oxford Health psychiatrists have been recognised by the institution for their work during the past year.

Winner: Dr Anneka Tomlinson

Winner: Dr Hannah Wierenga

Winner: Dr Riccardo DeGiorgi

Finalist: Shah Tarfarosh

Winner: Dr Shah Tarfarosh

Finalists: Dr Alex Patrick and Dr Emma New

Finalist: Dr Shah Tarfarosh

Anneka Tomlinson, who works on Phoenix Ward, was named Foundation Doctor of the Year. She established physical health clinics within acute inpatient wards, taught research and clinical skills to fellow staff and students and dedicated additional time in her training to trials of the covid vaccine.

She said: “I am very grateful and honoured to have received this award from the Royal College of Psychiatry.”

Hannah Wierenga, from Buckinghamshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, was named Core Trainee of the Year. The judges were impressed to hear of her compassion and holistic care, going above and beyond to ensure the best care for patients.

She said: “I was really shocked to receive this award, especially considering the contributions of the other amazing finalists. I’d like to thank Raj Attavar for nominating me, and for encouraging and supporting me with getting involved in wider projects.”

​​​​Shah Tarfarosh, who works on Vaughan Thomas Ward was named Trainee Innovator of the Year and a finalist in the Higher Trainee of the Year category.

He said: “To receive an award from an organisation I admire so much makes me happy and grateful. It’s a great recognition of the work we do as multi-disciplinary teams in psychiatry. I am extremely thankful to Oxford Health for providing a platform for junior doctors to thrive. I am also grateful to our service users – who motivate us to innovate, to find simple and sustainable solutions for their problems.”

Riccardo DeGiorgi, mood disorder researcher, demonstrated exceptional care for colleagues at all levels at Oxford Health, the judges heard, including teaching and encouraging trainees and was commended for giving his time to support other people.

He said: “I was delighted to receive this award of ‘Trainee Peer of the Year’ from the RCPsych. It is easy yet very rewarding to be a ‘good peer’ when working with such great colleagues in OHFT – their motivation and excellence, as evidenced by all the other awards achieved by them, is inspiring.”

The judges heard how Oxford Health staff had supported improvement, innovation and care throughout the past year during the challenging environment presented by the pandemic.​​​​​​​

Trust chief medical officer Karl Marlow said: “To receive awards and acknowledgement for Anneka, Shah, Hannah, Riccardo, Emma and Alex, which is peer reviewed is especially gratifying. It shows that Oxford Health is a place to nurture and grow exceptional talent.  Congratulation to the individuals and those that support them, both family, friends and colleagues.”

Oxfordshire and BSW clinical director Rob Bale said: “This is a brilliant testament to everyone’s hard work and dedication to patient care, improvement and learning during these difficult times and a reflection of the commitment and professionalism of all our workforce.”

Director of medical education Alistair Reid said: ““I’m delighted with the success of our psychiatrists in training in these awards and congratulations to all the winners and finalists. It is a privilege to have such excellent trainees working and training with us in Oxford Health and a testament to their hard work. They are a valuable part of the trust’s clinical teams and it is great to have this recognised on a wider stage.”

Amid noteworthy projects were improvements to the doctors’ mess and the creation and promotion of the “How do I help?” animation, produced for parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions, by Shah and the Oxfordshire Neurodevelopmental Conditions Team, with the support of the Communications and Engagement Team.