News

We are delighted that Tarnia Lefevre, Trainee Nursing Associate - Deaf Services at the Trust, has been shortlisted in the Student Nursing Times Awards, in the Nursing Associate Trainee of the Year category.

Tarnia was shortlisted for her work supporting Deaf patients and how she has adapted to continue to provide high quality care throughout the pandemic, despite the challenges.

She works in a small, specialised team, proving mental health support for Deaf people. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on many things, including staffing levels in the NHS coming under pressure like never before. In small teams this can have an especially significant impact on service provision.

By stepping up and working collaboratively with other teams and integrated care providers, Tarnia ensured the Deaf clients on their caseload received continuity of care, ensuring their needs were met and mental wellbeing supported.

Anne-Maria Newham, Executive Director of Nursing AHPs and Quality said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Tarnia has been shortlisted in the Student Nursing Times Awards. She works incredibly hard supporting Deaf patients and is committed to providing exceptional care. She thoroughly deserves this recognition, wishing her lots of luck for the next stage”

Tarnia also wrote an article on communication and mask wearing for the Nursing Times, which has been well received by the Deaf community. By working as an advocate for the Deaf community, she raised awareness of the impact of masks on communication and supported Deaf clients to fully understand the information which the rest of society take for granted.

Tarnia said:

“I am honoured and proud to have been shortlisted for this award. This is a great opportunity to showcase the unique linguistic and cultural needs of the Deaf community on a wider stage. I am so grateful for the opportunities provided to me and the support given by the wonderful team I work with”.

Winners will be announced on 4 November. More can be found here.