It was all glitz and glamour as the West London NHS Trust staff converged at the sprawling Clayton Hotel, Chiswick on 1st November 2023 in a colourful ceremony tagged, Quality Award Night. It was a time of expectation for all the nominees who had scaled the rigorous nomination process in the different award categories. The event had in attendance Senior executives - Carolyn Regan, Chief Executive West London NHS Trust, Paul Stefanoski, Chief Financial Officer, Dr Christopher Hilton, Chief Operating Officer (Local and Specialist Service), Nina Singh, Chief People Officer, Elizabeth Rantzen, Interim Trust Chair, Dr. Derek Tracy Chief Medical Officer, Leeanne McGee, Chief Operating Officer (High Secure and Forensics), and Bridger Chief Nurse. Others were Ali Webster, Deputy Director of Organisational Development at West London NHS Trust, Nathan Christie-Plummer Deputy Director for Work Force, Laura Fitzsimons, Head of Work Force and Organisational Development, Deba Saikia (Dave) Health and Wellbeing and Staff Engagement Lead.
There was an electric atmosphere and a huge cheer when the elegant, quintessential Rosemary Agbonson was announced winner of the prestigious Innovator of the Year Award 2023. The recognition was a testament to Rosemary`s (Staff Engagement and Wellbeing Personnel at the NHS Trust) tenacity, purpose-driven initiatives and significant contributions to the Trust which have not gone unnoticed. Amongst a plethora of activities, Rozy (as she is fondly called) organised the first Workforce Conference to celebrate the Healthcare Support Workforce (HCSW) for West London NHS Trust. She also facilitated a forum for the HCSW and arranged a prize draw (a full body massage equipment) which was won by one of the Healthcare Assistant for her hospital ward. In her words, “I managed to put the HCSW forum together (first of its kind) so that their voice could be heard by top management as they are always on the front line giving first hand care to patients. Also, these group of staff need to be appreciated. I also helped to increase my ward staff survey to 74% in comparison to the previous year’s 18% and 25% within two weeks”.
In her acceptance speech at the event, Rozy thanked her work colleagues and bosses for all their support and encouragement. It was an emotion laden address which got some eyes teary. In a chat with www.twin2.org blog, the elated award recipient, stated inter alia, “I was so humbled and honoured and having been able to make an impact. This award is dedicated to my number one fan, my elder brother, Ikponmwonsa who sadly passed away three years ago. As the heartwarming news filtered in, members of the University of Benin Alumni Association London Chapter have been pouring encomiums on one of their own. In his felicitations, UBAAL Chairman, Sir Douglas Ogbebor described the award as very well deserved. He went further; “Rozy, this recognition goes to show that your good services cannot go unnoticed. Thank you for making us proud of who you are, what you represent and for flying the great flag of UNIBEN Alumni London chapter. We are indeed very proud of you".
In the same vein, General Secretary of the University of Benin Alumni Association United Kingdom, Pharm. Austin Iremiran praised the delectable awardee for the scoop. His message reads, “On behalf of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Alumni Association UK, I congratulate our dear and distinguished member, Rosemary Agbonson for winning this unique award. This award is a clear testament to Rosemary's avowed commitment, dedication and hardwork. I must say we are not surprised because as a graduate of the great University of Benin (UNIBEN) we always aim for the best as we are simply the best. Congratulations once again”. On our part, the entire team of www.twin2.org blog joins the UNIBEN alumni, friends and family to rejoice with Rozy on this milestone. On a final note, we want to unequivocally remind Rozy and the other award winners that the reward for hardwork is more work. All in favour say ayes!; those against say nays!; The ayes have it!!