Outstanding leadership award for hospital manager

A Head Orthoptist and service manager at University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has won a prestigious national award for services to the orthoptic profession. 

Julie Dowdney was awarded the 'Outstanding Leadership' accolade by the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) during their annual award ceremony held in Birmingham.

The award was presented by the ex-Chair of BIOS, Mrs Veronica Greenwood, OBE, and reflects Julie's dedication to her work as both Vice Chair of BIOS for two terms, as well as her role as Chair of the Leaders of the Orthoptic Profession. 

Julie, whose career at UHD spans over 20 years, has also been Chair for the Trailblazer Group, delivering the Orthoptic Apprenticeship Standard, a pre-registration apprenticeship route which will allow greater access into the profession by widening the entry criteria, enabling students who aren't able to enter the traditional university route to work whilst training. 

Julie said: "It is both humbling and wonderful to receive this award in recognition for my work to our professional body. The ceremony was a great night of celebraton for myself and my peers, and I'm very proud to have been acknowledged in this way."