Clinicians shortlisted for national awards
Date of release: 2 September 2024
Wolverhampton’s Orthotics Team is celebrating after receiving two national award nominations.
Chiazoka (Mary) Ezeuzo
Chiazoka (Mary) Ezeuzo, Clinical Orthotist for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust – known by her middle name Mary – is one of three clinicians shortlisted for the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) Orthotist of the Year Award 2024.
And her team, the Orthotic Service Department Team, is one of two organisations shortlisted for the BAPO Best P&O Service Improvement Award of the Year 2024.
Mary, who has been with RWT for 18 months, assesses, prescribes and manages Orthotic devices used to support weakened joints, correct and prevent disorders and reduce pain and strain.
The 29-year-old is part of a team of seven providing Orthotics service to treat more than 300 patients a week across Wolverhampton, Cannock and Walsall.
Patients are of all ages and include people with diabetes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal problems, and trauma patients, to name a few.
As an international recruit, Mary has found patient care, health professional training and clinical presentation varies from country to country and wants to analyse the differences.
A few months ago she presented at the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) conference in Cardiff.
Here she revealed her plans to set up an international network to support internationally-recruited Prosthetists and Orthotists (P&Os) entering the UK workforce.
Dr Nicky Eddison, Consultant Orthotist/Orthotics Service Manager at RWT, said: “I am extremely proud of my team for being shortlisted for the best service improvement award.
“It is testament to the fantastic work they have done and our team spirit which has enabled us to overcome the obstacles we have faced to reach our goals. I am delighted their hard work has been recognised.
“We are all proud of Chiazoka’s achievements – she has continually challenged herself, stepping out of her comfort zone, and inspiring others. She deserves the recognition for all her hard work.”
Mary and the team will find out if they win the inaugural P&O Awards on Friday, 6 September at the Tower and Hamilton Suites, Drayton Manor resort.
In addition, the Orthotics department has had 11 abstracts selected to be presented at BAPO conference in the West Midlands on 6 September 2024.
Dr Eddison said: “I am very proud of the research our team produces. It shows how research-active our department is, and the number of people who get involved in research in our department.
“From a team of 13, seven have been involved in the research we have submitted. They are not just clinical staff – our admin teams have also had two abstracts accepted as we truly believe research is for everyone.”
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
