'Inspirational' learning disability nurse recognised with leadership award
An ‘inspirational’ nurse has been recognised for her compassionate and inclusive leadership of an NHS service that supports adults with learning disabilities.
Jane Williams, Manager of the Therapeutic Support Service at Bryn y Neuadd Hospital, Llanfairfechan, was named the winner of the Leadership Award at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Achievement Awards, held at Venue Cymru on Friday, October 21st.
The experienced learning disability nurse, who is also an honorary lecturer at Bangor University, was nominated by colleagues, who praised her for putting the needs of service users at the heart of everything she does.
“Jane is a kind, experienced and inclusive leader who understands that you need to lead from the middle of the team so that you take everyone with you,” explained Student Learning Disability Nurse, Aruubh Sarwar.
“She uses every moment of the day to support, encourage, empower and care for her staff and service users. The team go the extra mile for her because of her inspirational leadership. She is generous with her time and she is the first to arrive at work and the last to leave.
“Jane has helped so many staff who have been healthcare support workers to take the step into their nurse training, by believing in them and showing that their ambitions can be realised through hard work.”
Accepting the award, Jane said: “It’s an honour to win this award and it’s very humbling. In the Mabinogion it says that to lead you have to be a bridge and my dearest hope is that I’m a bridge for the ideas of my team.”
Luke Thornhill, who presented Jane with her award on behalf of sponsor Medacs Healthcare, said: “The impact compassionate, quality leadership has on both staff and patient wellbeing is plain to see, and all three finalists in this category would have been worthy winners of this award.
“I’m really pleased to congratulate Jane on both her success this evening and on the difference she has made for her colleagues in her team.”
Jeremy Nash, Chief Executive Officer for overall award sponsor Centerprise International, said: “I was delighted to hear the outstanding stories of kindness, care, compassion and bravery in the face of adversity shown by the finalists at the BCUHB awards.
“This is the fourth year that Centerprise International has sponsored these awards, and year-on-year we continue to be amazed at the lengths NHS staff in North Wales go to to support both patients in the area and their colleagues.
“Congratulations not just to tonight’s winners, but to everyone who was shortlisted for this year’s awards.”