Sara Thelwell, an Occupational Therapist at Denbighshire County Council was presented with the prestigious ‘Innovation Award’ at this year’s RCOT (Royal College of Occupational Therapists) Celebration of Excellence in Occupational Therapy Awards 2023, held recently at the Shard in London.
The Innovation Award provides funding towards projects aimed at supporting the future of the profession and professional practice.
Sara received the Innovation Award earlier in the year but was formally presented with it at this year’s recent awards celebration.
The funding from this award allowed Sara to go to Belgium earlier in the year and work with renowned physio Jo DeClercq, studying the Turn Only Once Bed care technique. This approach has resulted in greatly reduced numbers of individuals developing pressure injuries or contractures.
Speaking on receiving the award, Sara said:
“I was delighted to hear that I had been awarded the Innovation Award by the RCOT earlier this year and it was a very special event at the Shard to formally receive it. I am very grateful to Denbighshire for supporting and encouraging me to complete this project.”
Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care said:
“I am glad to see that Sara has been presented with this prestigious award, it is always so brilliant to see when members of Denbighshire staff are recognised for their tremendous hard work and dedication.
Our teams work so hard to help those who need it most in our communities, and I cannot thank them enough for their outstanding work.”