Dr Eddison honoured to strike gold
Date of release: 5 November 2024
A world-renowned Black Country healthcare leader has struck gold by winning a special national award in a first ‘honours’ list for her profession.
Dr Eddison holding a typical orthotic fitting (left), and with her gold award and certificate
Dr Nicky Eddison, Consultant Orthotist and Orthotics Service Manager at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, has won the inaugural Allied Health Professions (AHPs) Gold Award for Excellence 2024.
Professor Suzanne Rastrick, Chief AHP Officer for England, personally selected the 22 winners to mark her decade in office, launching on the recent annual AHPs Day.
In 18 years at RWT, Dr Eddison, 48, has transformed the Prosthetic and Orthotic Department from being its only full-time member of staff into a 15-strong operation, with the service also now covering Walsall.
“I feel very honoured and privileged to be chosen as one of the inaugural winners,” said Dr Eddison, who was the first NHS-appointed Consultant Orthotist and is chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists.
“An award like this helps to shine a light on the Prosthetics and Orthotics profession and will hopefully inspire others to consider this career.
“Hopefully, this award will help to showcase the fabulous Orthotics service we have.
“We have a team dedicated to providing excellent Orthotic care, leading with compassion, and dedicated to research and evidence-based practice.
“We are always striving to improve the outcomes for our patients.”
Dr Eddison added: “The Trust should be congratulated for all the investment it has given the Orthotic service during my time here.
“When I joined the Trust 18 years ago I was the only Orthotist working alongside two full-time and one part-time Orthotic clerks.
“We also lead the way in terms of research outputs for Orthotic services.
“This award is so special to me and of course I will celebrate with my family – soon.”
Prof. Rastrick said: “While colleagues can be nominated for the state honours system and for my annual CAHPO Awards, there are many AHPs whose steadfast work has made a meritorious contribution, yet does not necessarily fit either of those routes of recognition.
“The award has therefore been developed to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence, where a significant, outstanding and exceptional contribution has been made by individual members of the AHP community in England in their work.
“This has been achieved by consistently leading by example, demonstrating strong NHS values and high levels of commitment and quality throughout their role.
“I thank you most sincerely for your contribution. I am very grateful.”
Dr Eddison’s service assesses, prescribes and manages Orthotic devices used to support weakened joints, corrects and prevents disorders, and reduces pain and strain.
It treats more than 300 patients a week across Wolverhampton, Cannock and Walsall. Patients are of all ages and include diabetics and those with learning difficulties.
ENDS
- For further information, please call Tim Nash on 07714 741097 or email tim.nash2@nhs.net
