Laura Willcocks
A clinician and educator has won a prestigious accolade for her “profound influence on healthcare education” at this year’s University Hospitals of Leicester’s (UHL) Recognition Awards.
Physiotherapist Laura Willcocks, who has worked at the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) for seven years as a senior educator, was given the Compassionate Leader Award for her exceptional support and dedication to the professional development and personal wellbeing of her team, and those in the wider UHL and nationally.
From a field of over 500 nominees, Laura won the UHL award for her inclusive approach, visionary mindset, and talent development at the LDC.
Held at the Athena Events Venue in Leicester on Thursday, September 28, the awards recognise the ‘above and beyond’ contributions of UHL staff, with 16 winners announced on the night.
Laura said: “Receiving the UHL Compassionate Leader Award is an incredible honour, and the true reward lies in witnessing the growth and wellbeing of the extraordinary team at the LDC and working across the country in diabetes care.
“My greatest passions are patients and people and I believe it is about cultivating a culture of care and empathy within our healthcare education community.”
She added: “This accolade is symbolic of our collective efforts at the LDC, and I am deeply grateful to work with such an amazing team.”
Alongside her role at the LDC, Laura is also the Assistant Director for Integration, Education, and Innovation at EDEN – a multi-award-winning team that delivers education programmes, developed by the NHS for healthcare professionals and support staff.
Members of the team, who nominated Laura for the UHL Compassionate Leader Award, said: “She deserves to be recognised for her profound influence on healthcare education.
“Laura’s inspirational qualities motivate and support colleagues. Her enthusiasm for research and education inspires others to strive to do their best.”
They added: “Laura leads by example and encourages the team to pursue their goals with determination. She is always reading and looking for new research to underpin current practice and develop new programmes and initiatives.
“Her guidance and encouragement keep the team motivated in their current roles. Laura has a unique way in bringing the best out of her team through recognition of their strengths and talents, fostering drive and a ‘can do’ attitude.”
LDC is answering the global challenge of type 2 diabetes and long-term conditions through world-leading research, education and innovation.
Based at Leicester General Hospital, the 3,000m2 centre is a unique collaboration between the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
Founded in 2012, the centre is home to the award-winning DESMOND and EDEN programmes; that ensure the findings of LDC’s innovative research continues to achieve impact beyond the research setting.
