Miss Sheryl Morris FBSE, a recently retired Senior Chief Cardiorespiratory Physiologist at Singleton Hospital’s Cardiology Department in South Wales, rounded off a distinguished career of more than 45 years with a British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) Lifetime Achievement award. Sheryl and her former colleague Dr Geraint Morris, Consultant Paediatrician, Swansea Bay University Health Board, explain the significance of this award and how she really put her heart into her work.
The BSE present the Lifetime Achievement award annually at the BSEcho conference to honour the work of members who have made a significant contribution to the field of echocardiography, attaining distinction and longevity.
The beginnings of Sheryl’s journey
Sheryl trained in Swansea and Cardiff and then started her paediatric echocardiography service in the late 1990s. She developed a reputation as an expert in the field among local and tertiary paediatric colleagues.
Sheryl demonstrated a phenomenal work ethic
Dr Morris describes how Sheryl always far exceeded what was expected of her in her role; she would provide biscuits and refreshments for colleagues in outpatient clinics and stay well beyond her working hours to ensure children received urgent investigations and to interface between different teams.
He says: “It would be impossible to adequately assess the magnitude of the amassed hours that Sheryl has put into her job – finishing reports and preparing for clinics, when others have long gone home.”
Dr Morris states how despite having significant health problems, Sheryl rarely had any time off work. She was very resilient and demonstrated a dogged determination to complete all her tasks to a high standard. Her work ethic was such that she subtly always booked annual leave around the clinical practice and never resented the impact it would have had on her personal life.
Her outstanding dedication was recognised with gratitude by colleagues from a variety of different specialisms and grades.
Sheryl’s work has been instrumental in shaping future careers
A number of young paediatric trainees from the paediatric and neonatal services in Swansea became interested in paediatric cardiology and Sheryl played a crucial role in teaching them. Many of these practitioners are now consultants in different parts of the world. Sheryl also taught her recent team of paediatric physiologists, from beginners through to those attaining their accreditation in paediatric echocardiography.
Sheryl was delighted to highlight the work of the congenital echo service
Sheryl is pleased that this award highlighted the work of the congenital echo service and she is hopeful that this will encourage other practitioners to develop an interest in the area. She relates how crucial it is to have passionate staff who can specialise in congenital echo and provide a consistent supportive presence for these patients:
“As many of these children have to have regular clinic appointments and are seen from birth into adulthood, they really value a familiar face when they attend and someone that knows their condition if they end up having to be admitted. I was very lucky to have some excellent staff to train who really care about the patients and the service.”
Sheryl made a transformative difference
Dr Morris said: “I can’t imagine that anyone deserves this more than she does, and we think this will be a fitting gesture to mark the end of a career of which she can be extremely proud, and during which she did an immeasurably large amount of good to the children, young people, and families under her care.”
Dr Morris also commented how Sheryl had been that one consistent presence in the local healthcare service over many years, at a time of rapid change, which meant a lot to young patients.
In addition to this, he describes how she was exemplary to work with:
“She has been an extremely pleasant and agreeable colleague – she has never said a word in anger. Indeed, she has always been very cheerful, and her lovely smile has an uplifting effect on all around her.”
The Health Board’s Chairman’s Awards Ceremony in July 2018 recognised Sheryl’s contribution to the children’s service by presenting her with a Highly Commended award to honour her incredible service.
A thank you from Sheryl
Sheryl recounts her surprise at being conferred with the Lifetime Achievement award. She attributes it to enjoying the work and the fantastic support of her colleagues:
“I have been fortunate to have had a career that I have thoroughly enjoyed - particularly echocardiography. I have a lot of people to thank over the years for getting me to this point - too many to mention.
“I particularly want to thank all my colleagues who took the time to nominate me for this award as they thought I was deserving of it. I am truly overwhelmed and touched.
“This is the ‘icing on the cake’ of my career. Thank you so much. Diolch yn fawr!”
The BSE would like to congratulate Sheryl on her award and tireless service and wish her a happy retirement.