A Market Harborough healthcare worker has won an accolade for being an outstanding student mentor.

Suzanne Lambert, a community Occupational Therapist based at St Luke’s Treatment Centre, was named Practice Educator of Year by Northampton University.

Students on all healthcare degree courses have to undertake extensive placements with healthcare providers as part of their studies.

One unnamed student put Suzanne’s name forward for the award. She said: “Suzanne went over and above to provide me with a fulfilling and informative placement…she was kind, patient and her knowledge and professionalism were astounding.”

Suzanne said: “It was a really nice surprise, it is an absolute honour.

“I have a lot of students from different universities. I enjoy working with them closely to develop their skills. On a visit to a patient’s home I will talk to them about the theory behind the practice we will use with that patient.

“To me it is really important to give students a warm welcome because they are my future colleagues, and I want to support them to become strong members of the profession.”

Students from all disciplines receive a welcome pack during their placements with LPT, and they are asked to give feedback at the end of their placements.

Deanne Rennie is Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s Interim Deputy Director for Nursing, AHPs and Quality. She said: “We are really proud of Suzanne for the recognition of her role as an outstanding practice educator and in particular supporting the occupational therapy profession.

“Providing high quality learning opportunities for all our healthcare students is really important to us in Leicestershire Partnership Trust as they are our workforce for the future. We would like to congratulate Suzanne on her achievement.

“We also look forward to continuing to welcome all students to Leicestershire Partnership Trust, supporting their learning and development so they can provide high quality, compassionate care.”

The University of Northampton’s Practice Educator Committee meeting said: “After consideration we decided to give the award to Suzanne Lambert. Suzanne always supported our students effectively, having supported many students in their journey to becoming Occupational Therapist, and has been a great supporter the university over many years. Well done!”