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Physiotherapist scoops award for outstanding commitment to patient care

A Solent physiotherapist has been recognised for her leadership skills and commitment to patient care as she won the Allied Health Professional (AHP) of the Year Award at Solent NHS Trust’s AHP conference today, ahead of AHP Day on Monday 14 October.

Theresa Costello, who works for the Musculoskeletal (MSK) team in Portsmouth, scooped the award at the event held at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The conference celebrated the work AHPs do and offered them a chance to come together to connect, share and learn from one another to help shape patient care. The event’s theme was ‘partnering with patients: learning from lived experience’.

The panel of patients, volunteers and staff, chose Theresa for her approach to supporting her team, her extremely hard work ethic and commitment to great patient care.

Theresa was noted as being a driving force for the musculoskeletal telephone triage in Portsmouth. The service allows patients with muscle and joint-related pains to get direct access to physiotherapists without the need to see a GP or other clinical professionals.

On receiving her award, Theresa said: “I feel privileged to have been awarded the AHP of the year award. Today has showcased not just the inspirational work AHPs do, but the true impact they are having on patient’s health and quality of life. For me, as a physio, I have the opportunity to build relationships with patients and travel with them on their recovery journey. It’s what I love and why I do it.”

Olivia Birch, a Physiotherapy based in the Specialist Palliative Care Team in Portsmouth and Emma Roe, an Occupational Therapist based at Maples psychiatric intensive Care unit in Portsmouth, were selected as the two runners up.

Jackie Ardley, Chief Nurse at Solent NHS Trust, said: “I would like to congratulate Theresa on winning the award, she received many glowing nominations from her colleagues and she richly deserves the accolade.

“It was a pleasure for me to host the conference and I’m immensely proud to lead a team of dedicated AHPs, who are an integral part of Team Solent and continually go the extra mile to deliver the very best care and who work to keep people safe, well and independent at, or close to, home.”

The conference heard from speakers including Thomas Kearney, Deputy Chief Allied Health Professions Officer at NHS England and NHS Improvement, who spoke about opportunities and challenges for AHPs in mental health. It also hosted a number of interactive learning zones for colleagues to understand different areas of working.

ENDS

Notes to editors

A photo of Theresa Costello being presented her award by Solent NHS Trust Chief Executive, Sue Harriman, is attached for use.

For more information please contact Solent NHS Trust Communications Team on 0300 1234 156 or communications@solent.nhs.uk  


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