Caroline Trevithick, the Executive Director of Nursing Quality and Performance and Deputy Chief Executive for the three LLR Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), will be presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Science at the University’s summer graduation ceremonies.
The award recognises her exceptional contribution to the covid-19 vaccine programme for LLR, where, as the senior responsible officer, she established and continues to coordinate one of the most complex logistical health programmes ever undertaken in the region.
Caroline began her career in Nottingham training at the Nottingham School of Nursing over 30 years ago. She worked in general medicine and infectious diseases before specialising in infection control.
This specialist experience in community health, primary care, mental health, acute hospitals and at regional and national level meant that she developed an excellent grounding in clinical governance and she used this knowledge to move into commissioning in 2009.
Caroline previously worked as Chief Nurse and Interim Chief Executive for West Leicestershire CCG before commencing her current post with the LLR CCGs in 2020.
Professor Robert Allison, Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise Caroline’s incredible work in establishing and leading a vaccination programme that has given protection and hope to over half a million people. She is truly deserving of this honorary degree.”
Caroline added: “When I first heard about the award I was overwhelmed as I never expected any kind of recognition. I am delighted to have been honoured by Loughborough University for this work as I know that it reflects, not only my leadership of this programme, but the work of every member of the vaccination team.
“The whole health system has really come together to deliver the vaccination programme. We’ve demonstrated how, by using feedback from our communities and health inequalities data, we can adapt our services quickly to meet the specific needs of our population at a community and neighbourhood level. When I’ve visited vaccination sites, I’ve seen real teamwork in action, with volunteers, clinicians, managers and administration staff working together as one big team.
“This has been one of the most challenging and satisfying roles I have ever undertaken. The scale of the challenge has been immense and I’m so proud to have led the team of people who have devised and implemented our local vaccination programme.”
Andy Williams, Chief Executive of the three LLR CCGs, said: “I am delighted that Caroline has been recognised for her leadership and commitment to ensuring a highly successful vaccination programme in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This is the biggest vaccination programme ever undertaken by the NHS and has saved thousands of lives. Caroline has done a tremendous job!”