Publish date: 20 September 2024
Northumbria Healthcare staff member becomes first nurse to win top national award
Leigh Donnelly has become the first nurse to be awarded the prestigious President’s Medal from the British Society of Gastroenterology.
Leigh Donnelly, a dedicated nurse specialist and endoscopy education training Lead at Northumbria Healthcare has been bestowed with the prestigious President’s Medal by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG). This accolade celebrates Leigh's outstanding contributions to advancing sustainability practices within Northumbria Healthcare's endoscopy department.
Endoscopy departments, crucial to healthcare diagnostics, traditionally generate substantial environmental impact due to non-recyclable materials and resource-intensive decontamination processes. Recognising this challenge, Leigh spearheaded a proactive approach to minimize the ecological footprint of the endoscopy department.
Under Leigh's leadership, the team implemented strategic changes, such as waste segregation, the identification of Green Champions, and collaboration with external organizations to improve waste recycling initiatives. This approach garnered national acclaim, with Leigh chairing the sustainability session at the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy event in Prague in April 2022. Later in the year, she addressed a special symposium at the BSG's national conference. Leigh is also mentoring other healthcare trusts nationwide, aiding them in achieving their sustainability goals.
Leigh Donnelly expressed her gratitude, stating: "To receive the President’s Medal is a tremendous honour, and I am immensely proud of the strides we've made in improving sustainability within endoscopy. Our team's dedication has significantly reduced the environmental impact, and we remain committed to exploring even greener practices. While patient experience remains our top priority, sustainably delivering a brilliant service is equally crucial."
Marion Dickson, the trust’s executive director for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, acknowledging Leigh's pivotal role, remarked: "Leigh's work within our endoscopy department has been instrumental in advancing the trust’s sustainability goals. Her efforts align perfectly with our Green Plan strategy, launched two years ago to address our climate change impact. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Leigh for her tireless commitment."
Professor Andy Veitch, President of the British Society of Gastroenterology, emphasized Leigh's leadership, stating: "The President’s Medal is a distinguished honour, that Leigh fully deserves. She has emerged as a leader in sustainability within endoscopy, setting an exemplary standard for all. Leigh's impact at Northumbria Healthcare showcases the profound difference one person can make. We eagerly anticipate presenting her with the medal at our President’s Dinner later this year."
Leigh Donnelly's remarkable achievements underscore Northumbria Healthcare's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in healthcare practices.
Watch the video below to see Leigh receive her award.
Media contact
Christopher Magee, marketing and communications officer, christopher.