Inspirational Student Named Student Radiographer of the Year

10th November 2016

A radiotherapy student from Sheffield Hallam University has been named Student of the Year by the Society and College of Radiographers.

Sarah Smith has been recognised by some of the country's senior healthcare professionals for her innovative ideas and commitment to improving the patient experience for people receiving radiotherapy treatment. She was presented with her national award at a ceremony held at the House of Commons on Tuesday [8 November]. The 28-year-old already has a degree in Fine Art from Sheffield Hallam but after receiving hospital treatment for an illness in 2012, she decided she wanted to give something back to the NHS and returned to the University to study radiotherapy. -I was shown incredible kindness and care within the NHS and I felt that I needed to give this kindness and time back," said Sarah. "I felt that with my personal experience, my creative work ethic and my yearning to be a compassionate healthcare professional, I could make a small, positive difference within radiotherapy. After spending the last nine summers running art workshops in Boston in the United States, Sarah returned to the University where she established a Twitter revision group which saw engagement from fellow radiotherapy students from across the world. Last year, Sarah won an award for her creation of RADCARE - the first ever radiotherapy patient information smartphone app and then went on to set up a website which hosted monthly photo diaries from different people involved in the radiotherapy care pathway including, patients, clinicians, ward receptionists and cleaners. She also established an online A-Z comic book for radiotherapy students and patients that provided help and advice through line drawings and illustrations. The Doncaster-born student is due to attend her graduation ceremony later this month where she will receive further awards for achieving the highest academic and clinical marks as well as for the most innovative dissertation project. Sarah has already started her PhD scholarship at Sheffield Hallam where she is working in the Art and Design Research Centre to create ways to provide information to patients recovering from breast cancer. Sarah said: "I was so shocked when I found out about the award. I never thought this weird, arty kid would be working in radiotherapy but I'm glad I get to combine my two degrees to come up with something that is going to make a difference to people. "I've got Sheffield Hallam to thank for a lot of my success. All my lecturers have supported me from day one and were really patient with me when I was making the cultural jump from art to healthcare." Denyse Hodgson, principal lecturer in radiotherapy, oncology and end of life care at Sheffield Hallam, said: -Sarah has been an outstanding student who has shown exceptional care and compassion throughout her training. She always went above and beyond what was necessary in her studies to help her fellow students and was committed to finding ways to improve the patient experience for those receiving radiotherapy treatment. "I am extremely proud of what Sarah has achieved and she is thoroughly deserving of this award.

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