8 February 2011
Six apprentices working in the heart division at Royal Brompton Hospital have won the London NHS apprentice team of the year award.
The shortlisting panel said they were “very impressed with the qualities demonstrated” by the apprentices, who joined Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust in July 2010 on a one-year business administration apprenticeship programme.
Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week (7-11 February), a special awards ceremony, held on Tuesday 8 February 2011, saw the Trust’s team announced as joint winners of the London NHS apprentice team of the year award along with colleagues from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
The apprenticeship team supports cardiology and cardiac surgery teams within Royal Brompton’s heart division. Their apprenticeship programme includes taught courses, on-the-job training and hands-on experience. The team also has the opportunity to get involved in special projects such as clinical audits, events support and helping to identify any unnecessary delays experienced by patients during their visits.
Kelly Goulding, business support service manager for the heart division, said: "Although they have been with us for only six months and for some this was their first full-time job, they have learnt very quickly. They have a bright and helpful attitude and take on new challenges and tasks with relish."
Tim Campbell, former winner of BBC television’s The Apprentice, and chief executive of the Bright Ideas Trust, said of the awards: “It’s an honour to present these awards to such a talented and enthusiastic group of winners. It’s clear to see that the NHS apprenticeship programme is making a real difference both to the lives of the apprentices and to the patients they care for.”
