Trio win national fire safety awards

A trio of Wolverhampton-based healthcare professionals who cover three Midlands NHS Trusts have gained national awards in fire safety.

Jordyn Yildirim with her award

Lucy Gannon, Adam Wakefield and Jordyn Yildirim from the Fire Safety Team, which covers The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, were nominated for learning and development awards for those new to fire safety.

The three, who are based at New Cross Hospital, were nominated by Philippa Hayward, who leads a 14-strong team as Group Head of Fire Safety Services.

They all passed the Level 3 Fire Risk Assessment course and have completed fire door and passive fire protection qualifications.

Their awards were issued by the National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers (NAHFO) at its annual conference in Newcastle.

“I am immensely proud of Lucy, Adam and Jordyn,” said Philippa. “As a team we have over 120 years’ experience in fire safety, and we want to impart our knowledge to rising professionals new to the field.

Adam Wakefield and Lucy Gannon with their awards

“Winning a national award is a fantastic achievement for the individuals and for us as a service.

“At the NAHFO annual conference, the Chair spoke of the vital need to invest in new Fire Officers and it was a fantastic opportunity to share our experience with our peers from NHS Trusts nationally.”

Lucy, 20, from Cannock, joined the Trust at 18 as the NHS’s first Fire Safety Advisor Apprentice.

Previously a Physiotherapy Assistant, Adam, 32, from Stafford, replied to an advert to be a Fire Safety Advisor Trainee.

Jordyn, 23, from Sedgley, joined the team as its Administrator but was soon promoted to Fire Support Safety Officer.

ENDS

• For further information, please call Tim Nash on 07714 741097 or email tim.nash2@nhs.net