For immediate publication

'Be the best that you can be', says two-time World Champion Paratriathlete to NHS staff

03 November 2017

Two time paratriathlete World Champion Steve Judge gave an inspirational speech to 270 CNWL staff during a conference in Milton Keynes on the themes of Innovation and Wellbeing.

He spoke movingly and passionately about how, 15 years ago, he was involved in a horrific accident and was told he might never walk again. But thanks to the NHS in Sheffield and his own hard work and determination he learnt to stand again and to walk again.

He then went onwards and set new goals as a disabled triathlete taking part in the sport of paratriathlon, where working hard he achieved world championship status.

His message to staff was to be ambitious to think positively about what can be achieved and of the importance of setting goals to reach a desired outcome.

He said: "I want staff to understand what a fantastic job they do and how important it is. They don't always see the end result but a little bit of the recovery. They don't always see what has been achieved by the patient. They see just a little bit but not the whole.

"Look at me. I am a two-time World Champion, but there are a lot of people who treated me initially who don't know what I achieved and I want to shout out about it to them - through other NHS staff.

"By me being here, the NHS can see what I've achieved and by definition what they've achieved as well."

The conference was aimed at sharing achievements and networking across the division and involved showcase presentations of excellence from clinical services.

There were staff and team awards to recognise the stars of the division; plus workshops and stands representing a variety of clinical services and support services.

Awards were presented by the Divisional Director, Divisional Medical Director and Divisional Nursing Director as well as Service Directors. The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr David Hopkins, visited with his wife Susan, providing his support and encouragement.

Staff were also treated to free pamper taster sessions courtesy of Milton Keynes College Students.

Divisional Director Graeme Caul said: "This was a thoroughly inspirational and enjoyable event for our staff to learn from each other and to take time out from their busy schedules to reflect on their practice and to feed back where they thought improvements could be made and to spend time together."

Editor's notes

Attached photos show:-

1. Staff winners 

2. Steve Judge and his medals with two members of staff 

3. Divisional Director Graeme Caul with the Mayor and Mayoress of Milton Keynes, Cllr David Hopkins and his wife Susan

4. Members of the Occupational Health Team who were providing flu jabs to staff

For more information on Steve Judge go tohttp://steve-judge.co.uk/