Award-winning physiotherapist celebrated for ‘outstanding’ care

A 'trailblazing' physiotherapist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has won an award in recognition of the care she has provided to a patient for over a decade.

Steph Taylor, a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Haemophilia and Allied Bleeding Disorders, won the Physiotherapist of the Year honour at The Haemophilia Society's Recognition Awards.

The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist was celebrated for her "dedication and hard work" and for building positive relationships with and providing "outstanding" care to patients.

One of those patients is Ben Lee, 33, who was diagnosed with severe haemophilia A, a genetic condition caused by an insufficient level of a blood protein, aged just 18 months.

Ben's condition causes spontaneous bleeding episodes, leading to significant joint swelling and often confining him to bed rest.

Steph, whose work as a physiotherapist focuses on physical activity and helping people with haemophilia be more active, has supported Ben for the 14 years she has worked at OUH.

Ben said: "Steph has been my first point of call for over a decade. She has supported me through very difficult times in my life and has always put my care first.

"Her hard work and dedication have enabled me to enjoy my life again. She continues to trailblaze new methods and ideas, helping patients like me achieve their target joint positions, turning what once seemed impossible into possible.

"She is always there to help with my recovery with a great personality and is excellent at communicating the complexity of all the muscles in my body."

Steph, who is based at the Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre on the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre site, said: "This recognition means a lot to me, and it was totally unexpected. I was really touched as there are many fabulous physios working in the bleeding disorder community in the UK. 

"It is a real privilege to work with our amazing patients and the haemophilia team in Oxford, and over the years they have certainly helped me become a better physio and person."

She added: "I have known Ben for a long time, and it was very kind of him to nominate me and I am glad I have been able to help him over the years."

Susie Shapiro, Head of Department of the Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre at OUH, said: "We are really proud of Steph for being nominated by our patients and receiving this award for providing outstanding care. It is a really lovely recognition of the relationship she has built with patients and the benefit they derive from her care and expertise."

Kate Burt, Chief Executive of The Haemophilia Society, said: "Stephanie is clearly a miracle worker to her patients, not only thanks to her excellent physiotherapy knowledge but also her ability to listen and communicate clearly.

"It is a pleasure to highlight and recognise the dedication and hard work which has resulted in Stephanie’s outstanding impact as a physiotherapist in the bleeding disorders field."

Pictured: Steph Taylor, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Haemophilia and Allied Bleeding Disorders (right), and Susie Shapiro, Head of Department of the Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre at OUH