A student who switched careers to give back to the health service that supported her during the Covid-19 pandemic has been shortlisted for a special award.
Silu Barry, who studies Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Worcester, has been shortlisted for Midlands Radiography Learner of the Year in The Society of Radiographers’ annual Radiography Awards.
“I’m excited and a little bit nervous, but I’m really proud because this makes me think everything I have done to date means something,” said the 48-year-old, from Hartlebury. “Somebody has seen the hard work I have been putting in.”
The award recognises a student or apprentice who has demonstrated passion for the profession, excelled academically and clinically, and has contributed positively to the student cohort, working environment and/or wider radiography community. The winner goes through to the national awards.
Silu’s award nomination highlighted her patient care, professionalism, commitment to lifelong learning, and dedication to both her peers and the wider radiography profession. It commended her support for fellow students and mentoring of junior cohorts, as well as providing advice and insights to hospital radiography work experience students.
The nomination also recognised Silu’s role in helping develop the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s Student Radiographer Forum, where students can share experiences, raise concerns and contribute to developing the programme.
Silu previously owned a student recruitment business for 15 years before selling it shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
Due to long-term underlying health conditions, she received special care and protection through the NHS and had to self-isolate for over a year. This experience put things in perspective and prompted Silu to pursue a new career path.
“All the health professionals – the GP, the hospital – were fantastic during that hard time,” she said. “That gave me the idea that I wanted to be one of them, so I could provide service to somebody who needs it, could make somebody’s life different or better. When you’re not just a number, it does make a real difference. I felt it was time for me to pay back to the community.”
Having liked the idea of radiography, Silu joined the Diagnostic Radiography course at Worcester.
“I feel like radiography is a department that is relied on for patients, before a doctor can tell them what they can do to help them, to know what’s wrong,” said the mother-of-two. “Also, there’s lots of patient contact, it’s a first line service, which is what I really enjoy. The best part of the day for me is when the patient holds your hand and says thank you for what you’ve done. It makes such a difference.”
Now in her third year, Silu is working as a radiology assistant for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, principally at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, alongside her studies and work on placement. She hopes this will lead on to becoming a radiographer.
Nick Gapper, Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Radiography, said: “Silu’s shortlisting is a fantastic achievement. We are immensely proud of the commitment, professionalism, and enthusiasm she has demonstrated throughout her studies.
He added: “Silu consistently strives for excellence, embraces challenges as opportunities to learn, and exemplifies the values we seek to cultivate within our programme and the wider profession. This shortlisting is a fitting reflection of the dedication and professionalism she has shown throughout her journey, and we are delighted to see her achievements recognised.”
The awards ceremony is on November 11.