Cardiff & Vale Health Charity is pleased to announce Katherine Ronchetti, Highly Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist, has been crowned Health Hero for March.
Kath has over 20 years experience in the NHS and has been described as exceptional in her role working with complex muscular and neuro-disability children. Kath is often training parents, carers, community staff and special school staff in techniques such as suction and airway clearance which are essential to keep children with complex needs well.
It has been said that Katherine will travel to far West Wales at the drop of a hat to support families and local healthcare teams in the assessment and treatment of unwell children. On a number of occasions it has been Kath’s expertise and quick acting that has allowed acutely unwell children to access appropriate medical care. As described by a colleague, “Not all heroes wear capes, some wear white polo shirts and navy trousers!”
Heather Gater, Clinical Lead, Acute Paediatric Physiotherapy Service said, “Kath is a Highly Specialist Paediatric Physio who works to support patients with Neuro-muscular and complex respiratory conditions as part of a specialist MDT in the Paediatric Respiratory Unit. She has been in her current role for over 10 years and plays a key role in supporting children and young people alongside their families and carers to manage their respiratory conditions.
“Kath is a great advocate for her patients and their families and gives them the confidence to manage their condition at home and preventing where possible the need to come into hospital. She empowers families, carers, community and school staff through bespoke training and support to enable these children to stay well and have a quality of life, participating in and enjoying their childhood. In the event they become unwell Kath’s quick reactive response will support them to optimise their treatment often preventing the need to come into hospital. If they do come into hospital, Kath won’t be far away to provide support to enable them to be safely discharged home through both training and follow up visits.
“Kath truly does a great job for her patients and it is such an important role. It is great that she has been nominated for Health Hero. Well done, Kath!”
Kath will be Health Hero for the month of March and will receive a treat from sponsors Park Plaza Cardiff. She is delighted with the award nomination.
The Health Hero Award is supported by Cardiff & Vale Health Charity and Park Plaza Cardiff.
If you feel you know someone who has worked tirelessly to help a colleague or patient in healthcare settings throughout Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and deserves recognition then let us know about them.
To nominate your Health Hero: Email: fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk
Nominations must include: Your name, contact details, the nominee’s name and role, plus some words explaining exactly why you think they deserve to be crowned Health Hero.
If you have already nominated someone, they will be automatically entered into the next round for consideration for the award.
Tweet #CAVhealthhero to spread the word and show your support for our fantastic NHS!