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The Exc
More than 50 awards were presented, recognising the dedication and impact of learners and educators from a wide range of professions, specialties and disciplines.
This year’s celebration had added significance, marking 150 years since the founding of the London School of Medicine for Women and 50 years since the opening of the current Royal Free Hospital site at Pond Street.
Antony Senner, director of education and operations, opened the event with a warm welcome and words of appreciation for the dedication and achievements of both learners and educators across the trust. His remarks highlighted the vital role education plays in delivering world-class care and shaping the future of the NHS.
This set the stage for a series of keynote speeches from a distinguished panel, each reflecting on the legacy and future of healthcare education at the Royal Free London.
Professor Dame Jane Dacre, former director of UCL Medical School and the third woman to serve as president of the Royal College of Physicians, shared reflections from her career in medical education and leadership. She currently holds the role of president at the Medical Protection Society, the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, and the Medical Women’s Federation.
Lesley Mattin reflected on the evolution of nursing at the Royal Free London, where she began her career in 1980 as a junior sister. Over nearly four decades, she progressed through leadership roles, becoming senior matron and playing a key role in developing the tissue viability service. She retired in 2019.
Dr Adam Lewis spoke about his long association with the Royal Free London, having joined as a surgical registrar in 1969 before being appointed consultant in 1974. He served as medical director during the trust’s formation in 1990 and again from 1996 to 2000. In 1991, he was appointed surgeon to the Royal Household and later became sergeant surgeon to Her Majesty the Queen in 2001, retiring in 2007.
Award highlights
Awards were presented in several categories across postgraduate and undergraduate medicine, nursing and midwifery, allied health professions (AHP), pharmacy, healthcare sciences and apprenticeships.
Postgraduate medicine foundation awards recognised both trainer excellence and the achievements of foundation trainees and clinical fellows.
Undergraduate medicine awards celebrated academic excellence and student engagement.
Nursing and midwifery recipients were recognised for excellence in practice assessment, preceptorship, and midwifery education.
AHP awards honoured faculty and educators supporting learners across disciplines.
Pharmacy, apprentice, and healthcare sciences awards also highlighted a broad range of educational contributions across the trust.
Congratulations to all this year’s award recipients. Your work continues to shape the future of healthcare education and delivery at the Royal Free London.
The event was supported by the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, who have a long-standing charitable link to the Royal Free London. Prizes from the Cordwainers highlight their continued commitment to the education and wellbeing of our staff and learners.
