Members of the Black, Asian, Minority, and Ethnic (BAME) council and support group at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) have won Cavell Star Awards. Kerry Johnston, Derek Apawo and Hetal Vagharia received their Cavell Stars going above and beyond for their colleagues to promote and support the progression of BAME colleagues at the UHL.
Matron and colleague Shiji Stanly explained why they are worthy winners.
Kerry Johnston, Head of Nursing, Emergency Medicine
“Kerry has been quite influential in supporting the BAME nursing workforce and has played a crucial role in initiating the BAME support group and supporting the progression of the BAME staff. Kerry chairs all the BAME meetings, always listens to the staff concerns and take actions accordingly in a timely manner. Kerry’s support and guidance with the Emergency Medicine BAME Shared Decision Making Council (SDM Council) has been amazing despite all the daily operational challenges. Kerry is an inspirational leader and her leadership is well recognised and appreciated. Kerry’s ongoing support to the entire work involving BAME nursing group and to the BAME SDM council is very much appreciated.”
Derek Apawo, Deputy Charge Nurse & Hetal Vagharia, Deputy Sister
“Both Derek and Hetal have been working together to promote the BAME council and they continue to work hard in supporting the BAME staff across the Emergency Floor. Derek is the chair of the BAME SDM council and Hetal is the Vice chair. Together they have done a lot of work conducting focus groups, surveys and one to one meetings with the staff to identify their training and developmental needs. They have successfully implemented a project on supporting the new overseas nurses and created an information leaflet to help them settle down in their new area of work/ country.
“I would like to really comment on their dedication and passion in helping their BAME colleagues in developing their skills in order to help them achieve senior roles. Both Derek and Hetal are well liked by both their managers and colleagues.
I would like to personally thank both of them for their dedication and hard work on the Emergency floor with regards to supporting their BAME colleagues.”