Shropshire hospital librarian is named first 'health hero' of year
A librarian who works “tirelessly behind the scenes” at Shropshire's orthopaedic hospital has been announced as the first health hero award winner of 2021.
Kenna Blackburn, outreach librarian, works as part of The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital’s knowledge and learning service and was nominated for the award by acute pain sister Elaine Richardson.
The health hero award is presented to staff across RJAH every month who go above and beyond for patients and colleagues.
Elaine said: “Kenna is an amazing role model and support system.
"She works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our clinical frontline staff have access to up-to-date and safe resources and information.
“She also supports me with the RJAH online journal club – and I really couldn’t run the club without her encouragement and the important role she plays.
“She always goes above and beyond for whatever is asked of her, and she really deserves recognition for how awesome she is.”
Recognition
Kenna was presented her award – including a special certificate and keepsake badge – from Mark Brandreth, chief executive at the hospital near Oswestry.
Kenna said: “I was in shock when I was presented with the health hero award, I really wasn’t expecting it.
“I’ve worked with Elaine for a while now and I have just been doing my job when it comes to supporting her.
"I’d like to say a big thank you to Elaine for nominating me.”
Mark said her recognition was a reminder that non-clinical staff play a vital role in the care of patients.
“Kenna is a perfect example of a member of staff who works hard in the background with little recognition for the contribution she makes to the safe running of the hospital," he said.
“I am delighted to present her with January’s health hero award.”
