Exeter doctor wins national recognition

A Spanish doctor from the Emergency Department (ED)at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has been has won a national award for his inspirational contribution to his patients and colleagues.

Jaime Puente (pictured), a staff grade doctor, was one of six European staff from hospitals across the country to be awarded the ‘EU Staff Award’ at the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards in London on 23rd November.

The HSJ Awards celebrate excellence and innovation that take place in healthcare across the country. The EU Staff Award, which was sponsored by NHS Employers, recognises and celebrates the unique contribution of NHS staff from countries in the European Union.

All six winners of this award were nominated by their colleagues.

Jaime, who is originally from Seville in southern Spain, was nominated by the ED team for his strong work ethic and upbeat manner as well as his expertise and skill in emergency medicine.

Jaime, who has worked for the Trust for over five years, said of his award win: “I was initially bewildered, shocked, honoured... I cannot find words to express how excited and nervous I was.

“I have the honour and luck to be chosen to collect an award in the name of all the EU citizens working in and for the NHS, and especially in the RD&E's A&E Department. Overall, I am overwhelmed for the great recognition and response given by everybody towards me.”

Lewis Jones, Clinical Lead for the Emergency Department at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We have all really enjoyed working with Jaime over the time he has been here. He has become a well-respected member of our team and both nursing and medical staff enjoy working alongside him whilst caring for our patients.”

The evening also saw the inspirational work of some of the hospital’s research teams recognised, with two RD&E teams being shortlisted for the Clinical Research Impact Award.

Devon Dementia Collaboration, a partnership between Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Devon Partnership NHS Trust, were shortlisted for their success in providing more opportunities for local people to take part in Dementia research.

The Emergency Department Team were also highly commended for their work developing local, regional and national collaborations within emergency medicine to embed clinical research as a routine aspect of patient care.