Norfolk and Suffolk NHS mental health staff shine at regional awards
Priscilla Nzounhenda, Listening into Action Lead, pictured with Chair Zoë Billingham (left) and Cath Byford, Chief Patient Experience Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (right).
Celebrations were in full swing as Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) staff were recognised for their outstanding dedication and leadership at a major regional awards ceremony.
Priscilla Nzounhenda, Listening into Action Lead, was awarded the Inspirational Leader Award at the Suffolk and North East Essex ICS 'Can Do' Health and Care Awards, held on 4 July at the Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket.
She was recognised for her profound impact on individuals and the wider organisational culture - empowering colleagues, fostering collaboration and creating psychologically safe, inclusive and compassionate spaces.
Since stepping into the role in February 2024, Priscilla has led the Trust's Listening into Action programme and inspired engagement across NSFT.
Listening into Action provides Clinical and Operational Leadership Teams with a simple 12-month framework and step-by-step methodology to improve organisational performance and make changes that matter through the direct involvement of NHS staff.
Under Priscilla's leadership, the initiative has delivered more than 200 'quick wins', resolving long-standing workplace issues efficiently and improving staff wellbeing.
Priscilla said she was "deeply honoured" to receive the accolade. She said: "This recognition is not just a personal milestone; it's a reminder that leadership is never a solo journey.
"True leadership is about rising with purpose and putting down ladders so others can climb. I'm grateful to those who walk beside me, and I remain committed to lifting others as we build a more compassionate and equitable health and care system."
In addition to the win, NSFT's Mortality and Learning from Deaths Team was highly commended in the Learning from Data, Evidence, Knowledge and Intelligence category. The team's work has enabled the Trust to reliably record mortality data, track thematic trends, spot emerging concerns, learn from data and take steps to reduce mortality in service users.
A further four NSFT teams were commended across various categories - testament to the passion and skill of staff working across the Trust's mental health services.
Zoë Billingham, Chair at NSFT, said: "This was a fantastic afternoon celebrating our colleagues for their compassion, creativity and commitment to improving our mental health services across Norfolk and Suffolk.
"Their achievements reflect the progress we're making together as a Trust to drive lasting change for our service users and communities."