Published on: 16 January 2025
A Healthcare Support Worker who works with local people with learning disabilities with their speech, language and communication needs has recently been presented with a county-wide Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) Award for her contributions to the profession. 
Francesca Scrivener-Greene, Speech and Language Therapy Apprentice at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was awarded the ‘Student of the Year Award’ by Joined Up Care Derbyshire for adding value to the Speech and Language service through providing alternative methods of communication with those who cannot rely on speech alone.
The awards celebrate the incredible work of our healthcare support workforce, and demonstrate the pivotal and diverse work they deliver and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
Francesca was particularly celebrated for supporting people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties and her determination to understand and meet their complex needs, such as how this can lead to risks or impact a person’s quality of life.
Some of Francesca’s work highlights her ability to adapt to new challenges and still provide a high quality of service to the patients she cares for in the community.
Tumi Banda, Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, Quality and Patient Experience, congratulated Francesca on her achievement. He said: “This is a fantastic achievement. The awards recognise a range of talent across healthcare so to be named as a winner is a testament to Francesca’s work ethic and drive.
“Those in the community with a learning disability can now reap the rewards and benefit from her exceptional skillset and experience as a therapist. Well done, Francesca!”
Upon receiving her award, Francesca said: “I am thrilled to win this award that recognises the work I have achieved as an apprentice. I am committed to continuous development and learning from my peers to become the very best Speech and Language Therapist, to support those in the community with their communication needs.”
You can read a full list of award winners on the Joined Up Care Derbyshire website.
