Victoria was presented with the awards on Wednesday 14 October, Allied Health Professionals Day to recognise her research looking at how simulation can help improve disaster preparedness, staff wellbeing, psychological safety and organisational readiness. The award recognises outstanding contributions to clinical research and evidence-based practice.
Victoria works in theatres as an ODP supporting patients through anaesthetics and surgery and provides expert care in recovery. She also focusses heavily on staff wellbeing. Her award-winning project explores how simulation could enhance disaster preparedness in specialised hospital environments, particularly operating theatres.
Talking about her project, Victoria said: “My clinical experience has shaped my interest in staff wellbeing, psychological safety and organisational preparedness. Following the loss of colleagues and the impact of COVID-19, I developed a multidisciplinary wellbeing initiative, which received the Trust’s Wellness Award in 2024.
“I was particularly interested in scenarios such as structural damage or a roof collapse, and what these events would mean for staff, patient safety, team communication and decision-making under pressure. The research considered whether simulation could help teams identify gaps in preparedness and better understand the operational and psychological challenges of working through major incidents.”
When asked how she felt about winning this award, she added: “I’m incredibly proud to receive this award, especially because the research comes from experiences that have had a real impact on me and the colleagues I work alongside.
“For me, it’s about more than personal achievement; it’s about having the opportunity to make a genuine difference. I want to help create a healthcare environment where staff feel supported, valued and better equipped to deal with the challenges they face. We spend so much of our time caring for others, and I believe we need to make sure we’re looking after our own people too.
“Ultimately, I hope my research can help bring about meaningful change for staff, because when we look after our workforce, we give them a better chance to provide the best possible care and experience for patients. This award means a lot to me, and I hope it’s another step towards making that difference.”
Victoria’s line manager, Helen Smith, Lead Nurse Manager for Theatres said “We are delighted to recognise Victoria for her outstanding achievement in receiving a research award, reflecting her dedication to advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes. She is deeply passionate about ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of care and consistently strives to deliver a safe, compassionate, and evidence-based service.
“Alongside her commitment to patient care, she is a strong advocate for education and professional development. She actively supports and encourages her colleagues, sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and promoting a culture of continuous learning within the team. Her enthusiasm for research, innovation, and workforce development makes her an invaluable asset to both patients and colleagues alike.”
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