Suzanne Noble, a third year mental health nursing student, has won Student Nurse of the Year: Mental Health at the Student Nursing Times Awards (SNTAs), while final year dentistry surgery (BDS) undergraduate Edward Newton has won the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Dentsply Sirona’s national clinical skills competition.
Professor David Adams, pro vice chancellor, head of the College of Medical and Dental Sciences and dean of medicine at the University of Birmingham, said, “We are very proud of both Suzanne and Edward for their incredible achievements and their thoroughly deserved national recognition.
“It is the third year running that an undergraduate from the medical school has won an award at the SNTAs – a reflection of the quality and standard of tuition being delivered to our nursing students.
“Meanwhile, Edward’s success also illustrates the strength of partnership between the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Community Healthcare which enables us to deliver outstanding teaching at Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry.
Edward beat 15 other students from universities around the UK during the finals of the competition, which was held at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
The competitors faced a series of gruelling clinical tests and challenges, such as preparing a root canal and performing laparoscopic surgery.
Meanwhile, Suzanne was one of just 18 students to win an award out of 174 finalists at the SNTAs, which celebrate the very best in nursing education and awards students who have demonstrated the academic achievement, clinical prowess and personal qualities that will make them brilliant nurses.
Jenni Middleton, editor of Nursing Times and Student Nursing Times, said, “Every year I am impressed by the standard of the students who enter these awards – they demonstrate all the hard work, intelligence, enthusiasm, passion and skill we want to see in our future workforce.
“It is incredible to look at what they achieve in addition to their studies. Of course, they could not do that without the support of their mentors on placement and university staff.
“This event shows the excellence entering nursing and we are extremely proud of all our finalists and winners. Congratulations to them all. ”