NHS Shetland staff granted money to support their training

Two members of staff at NHS Shetland have received awards to support their development and training.

Physiotherapist Lucy Ward received the Cecil Cumming Memorial Award and speech and language therapist Shona Hughson the Staff Development Award. The awards were presented on Wednesday by Kathleen Cumming, widow of Mr Cumming, and NHS Shetland chief executive Ralph Roberts.

Ms Ward was awarded £2,720 to complete a diploma in orthopaedic medicine and will do some training on the mainland. She said: “I am very excited about this great opportunity, one which I’d have been unable to undertake without the help of the Cecil Cumming Memorial Award. The diploma applies directly to my area of work in out-patient physiotherapy where I mainly deal with musculoskeletal problems. The diploma is taught over three separate modules combining theoretical learning in the area of orthopaedic medicine and practical treatment techniques.

“I have recently completed the first module, related to neck and upper limb problems, and am already putting my newly-learned skills to use in everyday practice. I am most grateful for the Cecil Cumming Memorial Award funding and to the staff development team for allowing me to undertake the diploma which will broaden the skills in the physiotherapy team, and be of benefit to patients and to NHS Shetland.”

Ms Hughson was awarded £2,179 to complete the Manchester post basic dysphagia course and to visit the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to gain experience in dysphagia assessment.

She said: “I am delighted to have received this award. Undertaking the training and spending time at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary will allow me to develop my expertise in the assessment and management of dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) across a diverse range of patient groups. Swallowing difficulties can have a significant impact on people’s health and quality of life and this opportunity will allow me to ensure that all patients receive the best possible advice and treatment.”

Mr Roberts said: “I am delighted to present these awards. Both Lucy and Shona have shown real initiative in looking to carry out further study and I am sure this will provide long term benefits to our patients.”

The Cecil Cumming Memorial Award was first made in 2002. It is dedicated to the memory of the late Cecil Cumming, NHS Shetland’s former director of patient services, who died in 2001. He had worked for the board since 1978, first as a biomedical scientist and later as clinical services manager. The award supports his aims of developing health care services in Shetland.

The Cecil Cumming Memorial and staff development awards are funded by the board’s endowment fund. Staff can apply for up to £3,000 from either or both awards to undertake learning, research or study which would not normally be funded by NHS Shetland’s training budgets.