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Becky McSorley, Practice Educator, has won the Royal Air Force award for the Apprentice Champion of the Year at a regional ceremony of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2022.

Becky was announced as the south west winner in her respective category during a ceremony held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in north Somerset.

“I am really grateful for the nomination from our partners at Truro and Penwith College. I’ve worked very closely with them to help develop nursing apprenticeship opportunities for people across our county. To win the regional award was just amazing. I’m so happy and very proud to be an Apprentice Champion of the Year. I’m a passionate advocate of the opportunities that apprenticeships provide for people of all backgrounds to get into healthcare and nursing careers.” Becky McSorley

As a regional winner, Becky will now be shortlisted for the national stage. Where she could be announced as a national finalist at the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards ceremony in London at the end of next month.

Becky’s nomination was submitted by Toni Drew, Business Partnership Consultant, specialising in health, at Truro and Penwith College.

“Becky is a very deserving winner. She’s been instrumental at supporting developments as an employer for our Nursing and Allied Health Department at the college. With her inspirational qualities and strong motivation. We had the backing we needed to have our first Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship. We need more people like Becky supporting apprenticeships and I wish her well in London.” Toni Drew

Becky’s work alongside the college has been vital in helping to develop successful programmes in recent years. The programmes look to address local workforce issues and improve training opportunities for nursing roles. The initiatives are helping to tap into Cornwall’s young talent and retain more future nurses within the county.

Several nursing qualifications are now available at the University Centre Truro and Penwith. They have been developed in partnership with the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, GP surgeries and care providers across Cornwall. Their aim is to boost the county’s nursing numbers and service levels.

“The team are delighted that Becky has won this award. It is so well deserved in recognition of her hard work and dedication to champion apprenticeship activity within our Trust. This is crucial work to ensure the Trust can respond to workforce challenges and support local communities.” Alan Jervis, Head of Education and Training at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

The National Apprenticeship Awards is to recognise apprentice employers, apprentices, rising stars and champions from up and down the country. The Apprentice Champion Award is for individuals who champion apprenticeships with enthusiasm and whose passion for apprenticeships is exceptional.

The national awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 30 November, when Becky will find out if she’s been successful in the final shortlisting of Apprentice Champions from around the country.

Read NHS worker wins Apprentice Champion of the Year at regional awards…

A patient at Falmouth Community Hospital experienced a heart-warming reunion with her beloved dog, after he visited her on the ward.

When Janet Van De Voorde was admitted into the community hospital after a fall, her beloved dog, Charlie, who is 13, was put into foster care.

After staying with the Rosevean Vets in Penzance for a month, Janet made the heart-breaking decision that she would no longer be able to care for Charlie full time. It was then that he was put into the care of the Last Chance Hotel and found his foster mum, Ann Tew.

The Last Chance Hotel aims to rescue all animals, including domestic and wildlife. Its mission is to protect all animals and rely on a network of dedicated foster homes to provide the all-important home environment and rehabilitation.

“I stepped forward to foster Charlie after he caught my eye on an online advert. I was amazed at the likeness of Charlie to my beloved dog, also named Charlie, who passed away 3 years ago. I immediately contacted the First Chance Hotel and started the process to foster him. Fostering Charlie felt like it was meant to be.

“Once Charlie had built up his trust with me, I contacted Falmouth Community Hospital and spoke to April Quelch, the ward clerk, to see if it would be okay to arrange for Charlie to visit Janet. I couldn’t imagine the turmoil and worry Janet must be feeling at having to separate from her dog.” Ann Tew

“We spoke to Janet and said that Charlie’s foster family had been in touch and would she like for him to visit. Obviously, Janet jumped at the chance, although she was worried that he may not recognise her. Charlie is Janet’s life.

“Unfortunately, Janet has no other family, so Charlie really was a true companion for her. Charlie was so happy to see Janet and remembered her straight away. The visit from Charlie really boosted her spirits. He sat with her, had cuddles, and enjoyed lots of treats. We already have plans in place for another visit from him soon.” April, Ward Clerk.

It is widely acknowledged that pets can positively benefit the wellbeing of elderly owners. For many elderly people living on their own, their pets are their reason for living.

“We encourage relatives of our patients to bring pets into the hospital to visit their owner. We find that when a dog visits their owner, the person is instantly uplifted. The boost to their mood really heightens their wellbeing. The patient becomes less anxious and relives stress by stroking and petting an animal. They often also feel comforted and loved. Often the whole ward is on a high after a dog has visited; it gives patients something to talk about and share.

“I’m so very pleased and happy that Charlie has been fostered into such a lovely home and that I still get to play a big part in his life. I’ve had him since he was 1 years old, after I rehomed him when his previous owner became unwell and couldn’t look after him. I’ve had him for 12 years and although I miss him terribly, I’m so happy that he can come and visit me on the ward and that Ann has offered to keep visiting me when I am eventually discharged.” Jan Crapp, former Ward Manager of Falmouth Hospital.

Read Waggy tail reunion at Falmouth Community Hospital…

Helston Community Hospital’s gardens have had a post-summer makeover, thanks to a group of Forces veterans from the Culdrose Old Boys.

The group of 6 veterans were under the watchful eye of Mick Bunt from Lawn and Order Gardening Services to give the community hospitals gardens a much-needed glow-up, involving the removal of weeds and overgrown plants, brand-new flowerbeds, and paved walkways to provide patients, hospital visitors and staff with safe access to enjoy the outdoor space.

Plants and materials were kindly donated by Trevena Cross Nurseries in Breage and staff at the community hospital made sure the Culdrose Old Boys were well hydrated throughout.

“I would like to thank Alan and the Culdrose Old Boys veterans for the hard work and support they have given to our gardens in Helston Community Hospital. The gardens have been transformed and will be enjoyed by all visitors and staff. Thank you.” Linda McHale, Hospital Matron

Culdrose Old Boys has recently celebrated its fourth anniversary and is open to members of the Armed Forces whether still serving or retired, who have at any time been based at RNAS Culdrose. Further information can be found by searching for Culdrose Old Boys on the Facebook.

“In these times of tough financial constraints, it’s great to provide much needed support to our local community and this little project has enabled the Culdrose Old Boys to achieve just that. It’s heart-warming to know that our efforts will bring so much pleasure to the staff and patients of our local Memorial Hospital.” Alan Rodgers, who was part of the veteran team who made over the hospital gardens

Read Local veterans transform community hospital gardens…