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Publish date: 27 May 2025
Lois Ward scooped silver at the ninth annual Skills for Health Our Health Heroes Awards. An expert panel of judges were impressed by Lois’ career development, naming her a winner in the Operational Support Worker of the Year Award category.
Lois started working in communications at the age of 18, undertaking an apprenticeship in business administration. Whilst studying, she worked four days in the communications office, learning on the job.
She then undertook a Level 3 Junior Content Producer course whilst continuing to work and support the team around her. Her dedication to learning has meant that she has been entrusted with high profile projects in recent times despite being early on in her career.
She led the communications plan and opening of the hospital’s Health and Wellbeing Hub – a purpose-built facility for hospital staff to improve their health and wellbeing. Additionally, Lois was behind a revamp of the Chesterfield Royal’s intranet and website which supports a community of 400,000 people.
Nominating Lois for the award Chesterfield Royals Karen Johnson, said:
“During her previous apprenticeships and current role, Lois has consistently proven herself to be hard-working, trustworthy, dedicated and talented in her communications work. This commitment and enthusiasm was recognised in late 2022 when Lois was promoted not just once, but twice, resulting in her new role as Communications and Engagement Officer at the age of 22. I am so proud of all she has achieved already, and I am so excited to see what she achieves in the future. She is supportive, loyal, positive and full of wonderful ideas.”
Accepting her award at a ceremony held in London Lois said:
“It feels really special to win. I've been in my role since I was 18 and so being part of a small, close-knit team and being able to grow is really special.”
Supported by NHS England, NHS Employers, NHS Shared Business Services, NHS Race & Health Observatory, SFJ Awards and Integrated Care Journal, Skills for Health’s Our Health Heroes recognises and honours the hard work carried out daily by thousands of staff across the UK.
To find out more visit: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/awards.
