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OUH Senior Communications Officer rises to the challenge

20/09/2021
This article is more than two years old.

We are delighted to announce that Oxford University Hospitals Senior Communications Officer George Welch has won the NHS Regional Rising Star - South East Award at the 2021 NHS Communicate Awards ceremony, held virtually on Thursday 16 September 2021.

George was one of 14 shortlisted candidates in the category.

The NHS Communicate Awards, delivered by NHS Confederation and NHS Providers in association with the Centre for Health Communications Research (CHCR), are designed to recognise the achievements of communicators across the NHS and celebrate innovation in the sector.

The Awards are a chance to celebrate communications teams across the NHS, which have achieved extraordinary things during the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrated huge resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Oxford University Hospitals was also shortlisted in the 'Best behaviour change or public health campaign award' category for the BAME COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which involved many people across both the Communications team and graphic design and video experts Oxford Medical Illustration (OMI).

Natalie Ellis, OUH Communications Manager, who nominated George for the 'Rising Star' Award, said:

"George was an immediate and unanimous nomination for this award from our team. Dedicated, talented, committed and good-humoured, he has consistently proved himself as a vital part of our Communications team. This... has never been more evident than throughout the COVID pandemic.

"From leading on genuinely successful behaviour change campaigns around the COVID vaccine to taking the lead on our social media messaging throughout the pandemic, he has delivered time and time again - all while remaining positive and rising to every challenge thrown his way."

Terry Roberts, Chief People Officer at the Trust, said:

"Communication in the NHS has always been important, but never more so than this year. The extraordinary response of this Trust has been supported throughout by the exceptional work of our Communications team - George and his colleagues have been a driving force in sharing the most vital messages with our staff.

"I am delighted that this work has been recognised through George being chosen as our Regional Rising Star in NHS communications. It is a great achievement and thoroughly well-deserved."

George said: 

"I am absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way. NHS communicators have played such an important role during the pandemic - for both staff and patients - and I never expected to win, especially as there were so many exceptional nominees. I am proud to work with such talented and good-humoured colleagues, and this award is also in recognition of them and our achievements as a team and part of OneTeamOneOUH."

Congratulations George, and thank you for all you do for #OneTeamOneOUH!

Pictured: George (left) with colleague Natalie Ellis