Medic 's heroic efforts praised by Chamber president
A leading medic, whose heroic efforts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic earned widespread praise, is the recipient of this year 's Chamber President 's Award.
Dr Sarb Clare (pictured), deputy medical director at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, was presented with the accolade by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Allen during Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 's 2021 annual awards.
She has earned numerous accolades for her work - including an MBE in the Queen 's Birthday Honours List for services to the NHS during the pandemic.
As well as looking after hundreds of sick Covid-19 patients, Dr Clare rewrote rotas overnight, created clinical pathways and delivered educational resources to redeploy staff, as well as supporting the wellbeing of her colleagues.
Mr Allen said: “This year I wanted to honour an individual who represents the very best qualities in the fight against coronavirus but someone who also had at the heart of their work innovation which is the theme of my term as president.
“Dr Sarb Clare is a frontline doctor who has treated hundreds of coronavirus patients at West Midlands NHS Trust and who was responsible for setting up the acute medicine department at City Hospital.
“In addition to all of this, Dr Clare was pivotal in introducing an award-winning wellbeing initiative - bringing in energy pods for staff during the pandemic which led to a significant improvement in the psychological, physical health, as well as the ability to manage stress for doctors working round the clock in the most adverse of conditions. ”
Dr Clare said: “I am honoured to accept this prestigious award on behalf of our NHS and social care workers who day in and day out wake up every day and do what they are trained to do - providing care and compassion for the sick.
“My nursing team are my true inspiration. I would also like to dedicate this award to those who sadly lost their lives selflessly in the fight of this dreadful illness.
“The fight unfortunately is not over, and we will keep going. We have not forgotten the support that was provided by local businesses who rallied and sourced us PPE, especially in those first few months when PPE was scarce.
“This ultimately saved lives, our lives and patients' lives. You are all in fact the unsung heroes, and we are indebted to you all forever for what you did for us. ”
Check out our image gallery from awards night here.
Watch the event again here.