Rachael Masters and the FoU Team

Rachael Masters, centre with FoU Team

Congratulations to Rachael Masters, Team Lead Dietitian for the Focus on Undernutrition Service, who has been named as a finalist in the NHS Leadership Recognition Awards 2012.

Rachael has been selected as one of three finalists for the Inspirational Leadership Award out of over 200 entries.

The NHS Award for Inspiration recognises a person who has a reputation as a highly inspiring role model. Someone who has had a huge influence making new things happen which have significantly benefitted patients and front line staff. And someone who has shown courageous leadership and commitment to creating an environment where ideas can thrive.

Rachael was nominated by her colleague Catherine McShane who said: "Rachael has worked tirelessly for the past 13 years to ensure that every adult in County Durham and Darlington is screened and treated for undernutrition.

"Rachael's work has become an inspiration for others to follow. Her straightforward and highly effective methods provide the tools to empower private and public sector organisations across the UK to rise to the challenge and tackle undernutrition in their care setting.

"Not one to sit back, Rachael continues to push the boundaries, challenging herself and colleagues alike to seek new ways to ensure that undernutrition is rapidly identified and treated in every care setting."

On finding out she had been shortlisted as a finalist, Rachael said: "I feel very honoured to be shortlisted for the NHS Inspirational Leadership Award for the work I have achieved with the Focus on Undernutrition (FoU) service. If someone had told me 12 years ago that the pilot project I commenced as a blank piece of paper would have evolved to the service we deliver today as a team I would never have believed them.

"I had a vision for FoU but the service is now exceeding those expectations and to meet challenges and changes in the NHS we will be working hard as a team to keep with the times. I love my job and it has been extremely rewarding, although not without constant challenges and barriers. But I am very passionate about tackling undernutrition in the community and that "passion" has overcome many of the barriers we have faced over the years.

"However, I would not be here today if it was not for the constant support of key people who have encouraged me and been our champions for evolving FoU but most importantly the dedication and support of all the staff in the FoU team."

Focus on Undernutrition (FoU) was founded by Rachael in 2000, growing into a nationally recognised, thought leading service which fulfils NICE and CQC standards and champions the use of food first to address undernutrition.

Sue Jacques, Chief Executive of the Trust said: "Rachael is truly inspirational in implementing national nutritional policies at a local and regional level demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to improving patient care through strong clinical leadership and multidisciplinary working."

The results will be announced at a ceremony being held in London on 10th December.

For more information on the Focus on Undernutrition service please contact info@focusonundernutrition.co.uk or www.focusonundernutrition.co.uk

For more information on the awards visit: http://www.nhsleadershipawards.nhs.uk