Trainee doctors have been honoured at a special ceremony held to recognise their achievements over the past year.
More than 200 guests attended the Education and Trainee Excellence Awards at Brighton and Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium – the first time the awards have been held for medics working across University Hospitals Sussex since the trust was formed in April 2021
The football club’s manager, Graham Potter, was one of the guest speakers.
Overall there were 38 awards given out in nine categories, with winners and runners-up from each legacy trust being recognised.
The awards culminated in the presentation of the Sophie Spooner Legacy Cup, the most important prize that was created in memory of Sophie, who was a trainee doctor in Worthing when she died in 2017.
Award Category
The Cup is awarded to the trainee doctor who has contributed most positively to the trust in the past year, particularly with regards to trust values, attitudes and behaviours.
Chief Medical Officer Charlotte Hopkins revealed the names of the winners, sharing why they had been nominated, and Dr Laurel Spooner, Sophie’s mother, handed out the awards.
The overall winner of the Sophie Spooner award was Ekelemmna Obiejesie, an Academic Foundation Doctor. Ekelemmna was also a winner in the Foundation Doctor of the year category.
After winning the award, she said: “I am truly honoured to have received this award. I try each day to be better and to try and make things better so to be recognised in this way is so humbling.”
Dr Spooner added: “It is really wonderful to be here; humbling and inspiring. I have the privilege of meeting so many people whose achievements reflect our daughter’s values.
“I am deeply grateful.”
Graham Potter, who gave a 20 minute talk about ‘What the NHS can learn from football’ followed by a question and answer session, said: “I think it is vital that the football club appreciates and respects the local community and it is right that we recognise and support and do all we can to help a fabulous institution like UHSussex.
“I am a little bit out of my comfort zone. I am used to speaking to footballers so speaking to so many NHS colleagues was a challenge but that’s why I did it. It was good to share some of my journey and some thoughts about leadership.”
Graham, who has a degree in social sciences and a masters in leadership and emotional intelligence, spoke about dealing with the young football players in a social media world, and about how important taking responsibility is when leading in a team environment.
Graham’s had first hand experience of our services too. He added: “My wife dropped something on her foot at home once day and had to go A&E at the County. She was looked after very well!”
Guests heard from other speakers who spoke about health inequalities; how civility can save lives; about digital innovations in the workplace; and a debate which asked ‘How do we deliver the Future Medical Workforce.’
David Beattie, Director of Medical Education, who leads on the event, said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable day. It was wonderful to hear from all the speakers and really great to recognise the achievements of all our trainees.
“There was a real buzz around the place, and it was so pleasing to see everyone together in one room celebrating these remarkable people.”