Alisha Kirkham and Laura Cooil are among just four students from across the Midlands selected to receive a Chief Nursing Officer Student Excellence Award, recognising their exceptional contributions to patients, colleagues and their communities.
The NHS England awards celebrate nursing, midwifery and nursing associate students who demonstrate outstanding care, leadership, innovation and inclusivity and NHS values while undertaking their training.
The awards were presented to students across the Midlands by Regional Chief Nurse Nina Morgan on behalf of Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England.
Alisha Kirkham is a Nursing Associate Apprenticeship student training at the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
While working within a community team, Alisha identified gaps in colleagues’ knowledge around mental health concerns and referral pathways. She responded by developing teaching to improve their confidence and understanding, while also supporting fellow students through her role as Student Cohort Ambassador.
Alsiha’s drive to support others has been inspired by her own experiences with mental health issues, which she says makes receiving the award even more special.
“Passion, compassion, empathy, and quality of care are driven by my personal experience of living with mental health and losing my dear mum to mental health illness, leaving this world by her choice,” Alisha shared. “There was a time I never thought I would ever return to working in mental health services, let alone complete my training.
“I will remember this day for the rest of my life. When times are difficult, I will look back on this achievement and remember the values that brought me here. Knowing that my hard work, dedication, and commitment to caring for others have been recognised will continue to motivate and inspire me throughout my career.”
Fellow recipient Laura Cooil is a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship student at University of Staffordshire working at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust.
Laura was recognised for her resilience, dedication and calm, person-centred approach. She has shown exceptional empathy and professionalism, including supporting a frail palliative patient to remain safe while respecting his wishes at end of life and giving reassurance to patients through kind, confident care.
Only a small number of the awards are presented nationally, with recipients recognised for making a meaningful difference beyond the formal expectations of their training programmes.
The four Midlands recipients were surprised with their awards, receiving a special Outstanding Care Award pin and certificate before celebrating together at an afternoon cream tea.
Gemma Williams, Senior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing at University of Staffordshire, said: “We are so proud to have supported Alisha and Laura through our Nursing apprenticeship courses at University of Staffordshire. It was a fantastic celebration and awards ceremony hosted by NHS England, and a great opportunity to celebrate alongside our partners in practice.
“One of the greatest privileges in education and healthcare is witnessing individuals who not only excel in their own learning but elevate those around them. Alisha and Laura are fantastic examples of the compassion, leadership and dedication that future healthcare professionals can bring to the NHS.”