Top award for Ipswich Hospital Radiographer

Ipswich Hospital radiographer and University Campus Suffolk (UCS) graduate Mel Mortimer is today top of the class after scooping a national award.
 
The mature student has been named Student of the Year (Diagnostic) by The Society of Radiographers and has been invited to a prestigious ceremony at the House of Commons.
 
It follows a three-year education programme where she studied at the Ipswich Campus of UCS and did clinical placements at the hospital.
 
Mel is an NHS veteran, having worked at the hospital for 13 years. However, three years ago she decided to swap her administration role for a clinical position.
 
Mel said: "Having worked in medical secretarial and administrative roles at Ipswich Hospital, I decided I wanted a career change that would allow me more involvement with patient care. It was definitely the right move for me. I love the combination of using technical skills, having direct patient contact and working as part of a team.

"Now my 19-year-old daughter is following in my footsteps and starting the course." 
 
Mel graduated from UCS with a BSc (Hons) degree and was awarded the local Monro Prize for her dissertation. It was her lecturers and fellow students who nominated her for the national award. 
 
Dorothy Kennerley, executive dean of the Faculty of Health, Wellbeing and Science said: "This award brings to a close a fantastic first year for UCS. UCS is absolutely delighted Mel's achievements have been recognised in this way and we know she thoroughly deserves her prize." 
   
Claire Webb, associate dean of the faculty, said: "Mel's prize is a fantastic achievement and recognises what an outstanding student she has been throughout her time at UCS. Mel's course leader, Alison Wright, had no hesitation in proposing her for the Society of Radiographers award as Mel represents all the professions' values and aspirations. She is a lovely, caring and compassionate person who has chosen to invest her time and energy in a career as diagnostic radiographer - UCS is proud to have played a part in her success and wishes her every success in the future."  
 
Mel is now working full-time at the hospital. Jane Micheal, service manager for Diagnostic Imaging at Ipswich Hospital, said: "We are all very proud of Mel. She is a great asset to the team here at Ipswich." 
 
The Society of Radiographers said Mel deserved the award "not only for excellent academic achievements but also professionalism in the clinical environment."