A rising star has been named as Allied Health Professional (AHP) of the year for the Black Country, just four years after qualifying as a podiatrist.

Rianna Millington was given the accolade at an AHP celebration day at West Bromwich Albion’s ground at The Hawthorns on 18 October after being nominated by her manager Margaret Kennedy.

The 25-year-old Podiatrist, who works at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said she was shocked and ‘over the moon’ to find out she had been given the award.

She said: “I won AHP of the year at Walsall as part of AHP day in October but to find out I had won

AHP of the year for the Black Country Integrated Care System (ICS) was an incredible and overwhelming experience.

“I absolutely love my job. The fact I can make a positive difference to people’s lives is so rewarding.

“The award not only recognised the hard work and dedication I had put into my role but also affirmed the importance of Allied Health Professionals in the healthcare system. It was a moment of validation and pride in the contributions I had made to the Black Country ICS.

“I was deeply grateful for the recognition and the support of my colleagues and mentors, whose guidance had played a significant role in my professional journey.

“It has inspired me to continue my commitment to improving patient care and advocating for the vital role that allied health professionals play in the broader healthcare landscape.”

Alongside her substantive role as Podiatry Team Leader, Rianna, who lives in Telford, has a seconded role at the Black Country AHP and Nursing Faculty hosted by Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.

She has also recently started her Senior Leader Award Level 7 Apprenticeship at The University of Wolverhampton.

She added: “My career has really accelerated since qualifying in 2019 and I am enjoying every minute of it. I hope to put all my skills to use and do my best for our patients going forward.”

Margaret Kennedy, Podiatry service manager, detailed in her nomination that Rianna had made a ‘huge impact’ since starting her job.

She said: “Rianna started with us last September and in less than 12 months has made a huge impact.

“She has led a Quality, Service Improvement and Redesign (QSIR) project to free up clinical time by 29 per cent in order to see more complex patients.

“Rianna reviewed all our documents and standard operating procedures using evidence-based practice. These documents are all now easy to navigate and find which is particularly useful for all our new starters.

“Rianna has also reviewed all our clinical noticeboards from a patients’ perspective making them clear, relevant and informative. She has also reviewed all the clinical noticeboards to make it easier for staff to find information and direct them to correct departments.

“She has embraced her secondment by sharing the good practice she has come across in that role and enhancing the care we give in Podiatry. Rianna has also transformed our nail surgery service where she educates other NHS services on nail surgery delivery.”

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The Communications Team can be contacted on: 

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust:

01902 695884 or email rwh-tr.CommunicationsDept@nhs.net

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust:

01922 721172 extn. 2469/2470 or email wht.communications@nhs.net