A radiographer who last year completed the SoR’s Leadership Mentoring Scheme has been nominated within her trust for a leadership award.
Hannah Bown, interventional lead radiographer at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, was nominated for the Hampshire Hospitals People Awards in the Leadership Category and received a Certificate of Recognition, which recognises an individual who demonstrates excellent leadership skills that inspire and motivate others.
Last year, Hannah completed the Leadership Mentoring Scheme (LMS), the SoR’s initiative to give radiographers the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders in the profession and develop their own leadership capabilities.
Delivering change and providing support
Hannah said: “Upon learning of my nomination I felt a sense of pride and job satisfaction – leading a team and a service can, at times, be incredibly challenging due to the current pressures being faced by the NHS. It is easy to become so involved in the day to day clinical requirements and feel like you have lost touch with the other areas of leadership which are so important.
“Reading through my nomination it became clear that whilst on occasions it may feel like this, my personal drive to deliver change and provide support and development opportunities for my staff is clearly recognised and appreciated.”
Kerry Mills, strategic lead for clinical education and training programmes - cancer and diagnostics for NHS England, said: “Having known about the challenges she has faced in her department in terms of supporting her leadership ambition and aspirations, I am incredibly proud that her efforts have been noted and recognised.”
Hannah has worked within the hospitals radiology department since she qualified as a radiographer in 2014, where she progressed from a general radiographer to lead radiographer in interventional radiology.
Despite her relatively recent entrance to this position, Hannah has “already taken her modality to a new level”, according to her nomination, which was given by a colleague of hers within the trust.
Her efforts include embracing digital change through online process, leading through example with patient and staff interactions and always looking to develop her team.
'It ignited a passion in me'
Hannah continued: “At the time I applied for the LMS I recognised that I had vastly developed my knowledge and skills in operational and managerial aspects thanks to opportunities available within Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; but I still felt that I lacked an in-depth understanding and the necessary tools to provide my team with leadership at the level which I felt they deserved.
“The LMS gave me time to step away from my clinical role and having the opportunity to work with a mentor so selfless, enthusiastic and genuinely invested in shaping someone else’s future, gave me confidence and direction to investigate and explore these areas further. It ignited a passion in me to not only continue my personal leadership journey but also to ensure that I pass the valuable skills I have learnt onto my colleagues.”
Completing the Leadership Mentoring Scheme last year equipped Hannah with an increased drive to improve and ability to mentor others.
One of only a handful of radiographers to be awarded with a place on the scheme, Hannah has been able to make contacts with a variety of senior leaders in the radiology profession, and has presented her journey at last year's UK Imaging and Oncology Congress.
'Don't let you comfort zone hold you hostage'
Her nomination emphasised: “Hannah has the enthusiasm to drive the radiology department forward through her desire to mentor and develop all staff within radiology. Hannah has personally mentored me into a much improved radiographer, improving my communication skills, interpersonal skills, and improved my confidence in my ability as a radiographer.
“We are very lucky to have Hannah in our department, she is an asset to radiology and the wider trust.”
Hannah concluded: “For anyone considering exploring leadership opportunities – Do it! Don’t let your comfort zone hold you hostage, seek out the opportunities. You never know when an opportunity could end up one of the most impactful and valuable experiences for both your personal and professional development – and in turn your staff, your patients and your service will reap the rewards.”
To find out more information about the Leadership Mentoring Scheme, further details can be found online here.
(Image: Hannah Bown, via the SoR)