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Wednesday 3rd January 2023

Georgina sets the bar high after winning Apprentice of the Year whilst working at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

A talented apprentice at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is celebrating after winning the highly coveted Worcestershire Apprentice of the Year award 2022.  Georgina Davies, an apprentice student in the Neurophysiology team at the Trust, was announced as the winner at the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards held at West Midland Safari Park. This event, attended by over 300 people, celebrated the amazing achievements of apprentices from across Worcestershire.

Georgina is the first degree apprentice student for the Neurophysiology team at the Trust and they were proud to have nurtured and supported her on her journey to an Honours degree in Physiological Sciences over the last three years. She is part of a dedicated team who carry out diagnostic testing for a wide range of neurological conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders and peripheral nerve dysfunction.

Her work within the department now involves contributing to research, development, innovation and teaching and she is currently showing a specialist interest in photosensitive epilepsy, which is triggered by flashing lights or contrasting light and dark patterns.

Starting out on her apprenticeship, Georgina soon found herself working during the pandemic. In spite of these extenuating circumstances, she continued her training throughout, providing emergency care to inpatients and urgent outpatients.  

She said: “At times this has been challenging, especially due to the changing demands as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m proud to have managed to achieve both academically and practically throughout my apprenticeship, completing all work on time and to a high standard.”

Academically, Georgina has excelled at the University of West England where she has consistently achieved high grades throughout the three years. This was recognised by UWE Bristol who subsequently included her on the Dean’s List of students who have achieved an exemplary performance within their programme.

Heather Betteridge, Clinical Scientist said: “I can’t express enough how much of a valuable asset she is to our team. It can be a little overwhelming working in the department and balancing studies and clinical work. But Georgina developed strategies to adapt, and she continued to use these to overcome and manage the more stressful and busy times. I believe this experience has enabled her to succeed in her work. I am confident that she has a bright future ahead of her in this field and the NHS is very lucky to have her.”

When reflecting on what she has gained and developed personally over the course of the apprenticeship, Georgina said: “One of my biggest achievements is the confidence I have in my ability to carry out this role. When I first began the apprenticeship in 2019, I shadowed qualified members of staff conducting electroencephalogram EEG tests, these are tests that help diagnose patients with photosensitive epilepsy. Initially I thought on several occasions that I wouldn’t be able to meet the demands of a clinical physiologist. However, as I now approach the end of my training, I have gained confidence and feel capable of performing on my own. It has also occurred to me that my increased confidence has coincided with my increasing motivation to succeed in a career in Neurophysiology.”

Additionally, Georgina has contributed to the department’s research, development, innovation, and teaching. During her degree project, she evaluated the current sleep EEG tests protocol and its effectiveness in diagnosing photosensitive epilepsy. The results from this piece of work will be incorporated into the department’s clinical guidelines. Georgina is looking forward to embedding these changes across the team, giving her a chance to showcase her leadership skills. In terms of clinical management, this innovative piece of work will also be beneficial for patients. Kelly Bill, Clinical Service Manager in Neurophysiology said: “Georgina was our first level 6 apprentice in Neurophysiology.  She has worked extremely hard to obtain her qualification and is a great asset to our team. Her project was well presented and has contributed to improved patient care.  I look forward to seeing the development of Georgina’s career within Neurophysiology. “

Georgina is excited about her future within the Trust and is looking forward to the opportunity to mentor new apprentices in 2023.

For more information on apprentice opportunities at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, visit: https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/our-trust/work-for-us/apprenticeships