University Hospitals Dorset's acting chief medical officer is 'clinician of the year'.

Dr Ruth Williamson received the 'working with finance – clinician of the year' accolade at the HFMA National Healthcare Finance Awards 2022. 

The awards programme recognises the work of finance teams and individuals from across the UK, and covers fundamental aspects of finances including the production of the accounts, costing, governance, training and development, as well as the vital area of innovation. Crucially, given the importance of spreading financial awareness outside of finance departments, the awards also focus on the importance of engaging clinicians in financial management.

Dr Williams was recognised for her work in supporting UHD and local NHS partners in the Outpatient Assessment Clinic at Poole's Beales department store, created to help tackle the backlog of waiting lists caused by the pandemic, and increase the volume of life-saving screening as part of Dorset’s 'Think Big' initiative.

"I really enjoyed yesterday evening and was delighted to win the award on behalf of UHD and colleagues at Dorset ICS who have supported the Outpatient Assessment Clinic at Dorset Health Village" said Ruth.

"Whilst the award names one clinician I'm proud that our team of multiple clinicians and managers was able to work so closely and effectively with our finance colleagues to deliver real benefit to patients in a cost-effective way. Its a privilege to accept the award on their behalf."

"The Health Village concept was about getting patients seen and doing as much for them as possible in a single visit. Whilst it originated in Covid recovery plans, more and more teams are looking at changing the way they run face to face outpatient clinics, whilst others are looking to find ways to fairly deliver care with telephone and video consultations. Our partners in Livewell Dorset and ActiveDorset ensure that we are looking at wider determinants of health than a single diagnosis, and a fabulous team of volunteers ensure that clinics run smoothly and that our patients are supported. These benefits are here to stay."

acting chief medical officer, Ruth Williamson

A volunteer guides patients in the Outpatient Assessment Clinic