Lifetime Achievement Award for ‘true pioneer’
Published on 19/09/2024
One of UHB’s longest serving colleagues has been named a regional Lifetime Achievement Award winner at this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards.
Garry Swann was the Emergency Department consultant nurse prior to retiring. He pioneered the Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) role at Heartlands and Good Hope Hospitals, which has now expanded nationally in many different settings and specialities across the UK. He is soon to retire after an incredible 42-year career that began as a healthcare assistant.
Garry now goes forward to the final round of the awards. The winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony held in London later this month.
Garry has been a true pioneer in advancing clinical practice and patient care. From his early days as a charge nurse in A&E to his instrumental role in developing the ACP role, Garry has transformed the way healthcare professionals work and grow within the NHS.
His work has also shaped national standards and improved clinical care across the UK. Even after retirement, Garry returned to the frontline during COVID-19 and continues to work part-time in the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Garry said: “I feel very lucky to have been nominated for any award, never mind an NHS regional award.
“The award really is for all the talented people I’ve worked with in emergency care and elsewhere during my 42 years in the NHS; and for the patients who have given me the greatest pleasure and privilege.”
Garry’s colleagues have responded to his award win on social media with lots of messages of support and gratitude.
One colleague said, “A truly inspirational man and leader, who I’ve had the privileged to be led and moulded by. The epitome of caring, compassion and the first person that comes to mind to care for any of my loved ones”. Another added, “Many congratulations for this richly deserved accolade. I wonder how many lives you saved, or changed, and how many professionals you have inspired to do the same through your leadership.”
Garry going forward to the final round of the awards is a particular achievement this year, with 318 MPs across England putting forward 918 nominations – a far greater number than in any previous year.
