A PAIR of hospital staff members have been hailed for their teaching skills.

Sophie Jones and Geraint Davies, of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) were have receive the Keele university Practice Educator Award after being nominated by students.

The award is given to professionals who are outstanding in their educator roles, support student education and provide an exceptional placement experience.

Sophie, a radiographer, was nominated by Sadie Smith, Deborah Richardson and Alice Weaver, who said: “Sophie has been an outstanding mentor; nothing was too much trouble from supporting us in the early days of my placement to helping me with all our assessments.

“Her enthusiasm for radiology shines through and she helped all the students stay motivated whilst on placement. She deserves this award as she creates a warm and friendly environment and puts 100 per cent effort in.”

Sophie said: “I had no idea I had even been put forward for the award, so it was such a shock to receive it and I’m still very overwhelmed.

“I’ve only been qualified for around a year and I remember how important a good placement experience is so I really wanted to make it the best possible for the students.”

Geraint, a Macmillan specialist physiotherapist who works on oncology unit and Oswald Ward, was nominated by Vicky Fung.

The nomination said: “Geraint is very dedicated to his work and I have learnt so much from my placement with him.

“He planned so many opportunities for me to experience and observe throughout my placement including; Theatres and the Acute Pain team. He clearly cares about a student’s placement experience as much as students care about the placement.”

Geraint added: “It’s lovely to be acknowledged and really great to know the time I invested in her placement was appreciated.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Vicky for nominating me.”

Bev Tabernacle, RJAH deputy chief executive and director of nursing, said: “I’m very proud of Sophie and Geraint for providing our students with worthwhile and enjoyable placement experiences.

“Their nominations really show the passion they both have for their respective areas so a huge well done to them.”