Double awards success

An apprentice at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and an initiative to improve patient care through imaging have both won prestigious awards.

The Innovation and Diffusion Awards highlight the very best in health, care and education, and support the spread and adoption of innovations across local communities in south London.

Billy Milton, administrator in the nuclear medicine department, has been named as Apprentice of the Year.

TOHETI (Transforming Outcomes and Health Economics through Imaging) has won the Patient Safety Champion Award.

Billy, who started his career as an apprentice receptionist in November 2015, was nominated for the award by administration manager Sally Williams.

Sally says: “Billy has an extremely friendly, positive attitude and immediately settled into the team. Billy consistently goes above and beyond his role to improve the patient experience and promote teamwork. He is always the first to volunteer when a task has to be done.”

Billy adds: “Before I started my apprenticeship I thought I wanted to work in business, but without experience, I couldn’t get anywhere. So I applied for this apprenticeship and it’s honestly the best thing I’ve ever done – I’ve not looked back.

“This opportunity has been incredible. I love being able to help the patients that come to the department.

“Initially, I just came to Guy’s and St Thomas’ for the experience but I’m going to graduate with more than I ever anticipated. I’m so grateful to everyone who has given their time to support me in the last year.”

Billy graduated from his apprenticeship programme on 4 November and has been offered a permanent job within the nuclear medicine department. 

TOHETI won for the work it has done in listening to, and empowering, women who have had uterine fibroids. Patients stressed the need for more and better information, and a film and new patient information leaflet (PDF 1Mb) has been developed as a result.

Mr Yacoub Khalaf, consultant gynaecologist, has been part of the TOHETI programme. He says: “This project has succeeded in providing very comprehensive and up to date information, in an appealing format, to patients about the range of options available to treat uterine fibroids and is expected to empower patients to make a choice that is right for them. It is a privilege to have been part of the team that has conducted this project.”