Published on: 12 August 2024
A Derbyshire psychotherapist and an intensive health visitor are in the running for a national award in recognition of their work in supporting other healthcare colleagues who have served their country in the Armed Forces and their families. 
Gemma Saunders, a psychotherapist with Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and Army veteran Mel Dyke, who is now an intensive health visitor supporting the most vulnerable families for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, co-chair the Armed Forces Community Staff Network across both Trusts.
Now the joint network, under their leadership, has been shortlisted for the 2024 Health Service Journal Awards, entitled “Setting the standard for healthcare excellent,” in the category for Military and Civilian Partnership.
Justine Fitzjohn, trust secretary of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Darren Tidmarsh, deputy chief executive of Derbyshire Community Health Service NHS Foundation Trust, are the executive sponsors for the network.
Justine Fitzjohn said: “We are delighted that all the hard work of the network over the past 12 months has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to healthcare and securing a place at the prestigious awards ceremony later this year. A considerable number of our colleagues in the NHS have come from an Armed Forces background and we know it helps them to have a support network of people with shared experiences and understanding. It is also hugely helpful for both our Trusts to have a joint network who can guide our awareness of the specific health needs of former and serving personnel as well as supporting and valuing the community as a whole with providing additional support and opportunities.”
Darren Tidmarsh said: “We are immensely proud of the network, headed by Gemma and Mel, for the dynamic way in which they have brought together our armed forces community in a shared space and also for raising a much greater understanding of how best to look after our former and present serving personnel and their families in the NHS. This shortlisting for such a prestigious award is very well deserved.”
More than 1,350 entries have been received for this year’s awards, with 234 projects and individuals reaching the final shortlist. The high volume and exceptional quality of applications showcases the impressive levels of innovation and care continually being developed within the UK’s healthcare networks.
Following the thorough judging process, the two Trusts were shortlisted, ahead of the official awards ceremony to be held later this year, with its joint project standing out as a real success story worthy of a prized place on the panel’s shortlist.
Intensive health visitor Mel Dyke, from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, who served in the Army for 10 years, including operational tours in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corp, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award. Working together over the last 12 months has been the best experience as we have strived for more and more for our staff network. This would not have been possible without our strong forces’ connections in Derbyshire. This award shortlisting recognises that work and we are extremely proud. This means so much to us but mostly the impact for our armed forces’ family, both staff and patients.”
Psychotherapist Gemma Saunders, from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who has worked closely with the Armed Forces in a number of NHS roles, said: “We are so proud to be shortlisted. Whether we win or not we know in our hearts that what we are doing is working. Last week one of our staff members said: ‘If I ever needed a chat with someone I know I could call upon another veteran in the network’. Both veterans are from different Trusts who wouldn’t have met had we not merged the networks. Real, meaningful connections have been formed and we have an inclusive, supportive space for our armed forces community. We hope that Trusts around the country follow our example and join together with their neighbouring trusts, like we have.”
HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, added: “It always gives me great pleasure to congratulate our finalists at this stage of the judging process and this year is no exception as we acknowledge Derbyshire Community Health Services and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trusts for being shortlisted in the category for Military and Civilian Partnership.
“However, it’s always important to remember that the HSJ Awards are not just a celebration of success stories but also a platform to shape the future of the NHS.
“We can’t wait to welcome our finalists to the awards ceremony in November and to recognise and applaud such impressive achievements across the sector. Huge thanks also go to our headline partner, Vodafone Business, who share our mission of driving the standard of healthcare excellence and creating better patient experiences.”
The selected winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Evolution London on 21 November 2024.
