‘Local NHS hero’ honoured in book celebrating 60th anniversary of the health service

Posted on 6th November, 2008

A local NHS hero working in Exeter has been recognised for her extraordinary contribution to the local community. Lisa Weston, a Clinical Lead Drama Therapist with Devon Partnership NHS Trust, was chosen from hundreds of nominations to appear in Extraordinary, a book by NHS Employers.  In her role, Lisa works with a team of people at The Briars in Exeter to support people with profound learning disabilities and mental health needs. She makes use of a number of creative therapies including drama, music and art. Launched today at the Leading Workforce Thinking conference in Birmingham, this unique publication is the climax to NHS Employers’ ‘Extraordinary’ campaign celebrating the NHS 60th anniversary. Featuring stories from 60 NHS staff, it is available to buy at http://www.nhsemployers.org/ Staff, patients, politicians and celebrities are among the estimated 500,000 people who have filled in postcards showing their pride in the NHS and its staff.  Lisa is also profiled at http://www.nhs60th.org.uk/ Commenting on her inclusion in the book, Lisa said: “It is a great honour to be chosen for this book, particularly as it helps to raise the profile of the creative work we do with people with profound learning disabilities.  With this said, I am just one of thousands of people working for the NHS in Devon striving to the deliver the best possible care and support for the people who need it.  The NHS is one of this country’s greatest accomplishments and I am proud to be part of it.” Chief Executive of Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Iain Tulley, added: “Lisa and the rest of the team at The Briars do a remarkable job in helping people with very complex needs to communicate and express themselves through their creativity.  This national recognition is both welcomed and thoroughly deserved.” Alastair Henderson, joint-director of NHS Employers, said:  “The publication of this book, as part of our 60th anniversary campaign, is a fitting climax to a fantastic celebration of everything great about the NHS. Each story illustrates the positive impact NHS staff make to the lives of millions everyday. “Lisa was chosen for their wonderful contribution to today’s health service. With the other stories in the book, she represents the 1.3 million ordinary people doing extraordinary things in today’s health service. Since its launch, the Extraordinary campaign has aimed to celebrate and recognise these achievements.”