CTMUHB's Sarah Bisp wins Health Care Support Worker of the Year for Wales

CTMUHB’s Sarah Bisp, (Health Care Support Worker, Mental Health) recently won the Health Care Support Worker of the Year Wales category, at the Nurse of the Year Awards 2024

Sarah, who has been in her role for nearly three years, was nominated for this award by Sophie Bassett, Lead Nurse, and her former manager Paula Haddow, Clinical Nurse Specialist. She was nominated because of the commitment and dedication she has shown within her day to day role and has demonstrated innovation in her work, by setting up and leading a coffee morning in partnership and a local organisation and a CST (cognitive stimulation therapy) group.

Sarah took the lead - under supervision of the qualified nurse - in developing the Cognitive Stimulation Group in Merthyr. This group programme, designed to improve motivation, confidence and mood for people with mild to moderate dementia, was planned as a seven-week programme, but it has now been adapted for longer term international use.

Sarah supports these individuals to stay socially involved, and there are many examples of Sarah helping people to regain their confidence and ability to socialise in their community.

Sarah is described as a very caring, compassionate and empathetic support worker. She is friendly and an upbeat person and always sees the best in every situation, taking on challenges always to improve patient outcomes.

She is a team player who uses her initiative and is a very motivated member of staff. Sarah is proud of her profession and is seen as a role model to others.

In feedback, patients described her as ‘a lifeline’. In working with patients with dementia, she has helped to bring person-centred care and an evidence-based approach to the forefront. She has shown a real understanding of the impact of dementia on patients and their families

Sarah’s manager Kirsty Jones (Clinical Nurse Specialist) said: “We are all very proud of Sarah. To be nominated for this award was a huge achievement, but to win was the absolute icing on the cake! Congratulations Sarah, you are a credit to the team!

Sarah Bisp said: “I felt really proud of myself for the recognition I have received, and I am very proud to be recognised as a community support worker”.

To find out more about the RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Awards, please click here: https://www.rcn.org.uk/wales/Get-Involved/Awards

02/01/2025