NHS Foundation Trust receives special recognition from college group

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has received a special Recognition Award for their ‘Positive Impact on Skills’ at an inspiring VIP event held at Sunderland College. 

The high-profile event was attended by several senior leaders from the City of Sunderland and across the wider North East region. It took place at the College’s City Campus where VIP guests and stakeholders were served a three-course meal in the college’s City Bistro restaurant by professional cookery and hospitality students and entertained by a musical performance from former BTEC music student, Marianne Hume.  

During the event, the surprise honorary award for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust was presented to Allison Thompson, the Trust’s Chairwoman of the Board, by James Stuart, Chair of Education Partnership North East, of which Sunderland College is a part. 

Speaking at the Sunderland College-led event, Ellen Thinnesen, Chief Executive, said: “South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has an ambitious vision. It is in the top 25% nationally for the overall experience of care it provides and remarkably it has achieved this whilst serving a population of almost half a million, employing over 8,300 people, and dealing with the significant challenges of the pandemic. 

“It is a genuine privilege to work with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust because of our shared values and vision for excellence. 

“When it comes to skills, this fantastic Trust goes above and beyond. Not only does it recruit a wide range of apprenticeships across many of its corporate service functions and within health, it also provides several highly valued work experience opportunities, including extended placements for Sunderland College students studying on the prestigious new T Level qualifications. 

“Through membership in the College’s Health and Social Care Academy of Excellence, the Trust also provides valuable advice and guidance to teaching staff and plays an active role in ensuring students and young people have the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours to move directly into work once they have completed their studies.” 

Allison Thompson, Chair of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, added: “On behalf of the Trust I would like to say how delighted we are to be recognised in this way. We are very passionate about education and training, and this means giving people the opportunity to improve their skills or develop new ones.   

“As an organisation, learning is at the centre of what we do and working with partners like Sunderland College is pivotal to making sure we have a strong workforce for the future. This will not only make us a better organisation, but also strengthens us as a city and as a region. We want to ensure we give our young people and anyone who wants to add to their education, the chance to do that here right here in Sunderland.” 

Ken Bremner, Chief Executive of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I want to thank Sunderland College on behalf of everyone at our Trust for this recognition. 

“Our aim, as part of our new five-year plan, is to achieve excellence in all that we do as we create outstanding services for the future. Investing in our staff and supporting the region’s education is a key part of that as we strive to offer our patients the best possible care. 

“We are proud to work in partnership with Sunderland College to support local people to build their careers in the NHS and with us here at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.”