Published on: 29 October 2025
From healthcare assistant to ward manager, a dedicated nurse has led her team to ward accreditation, marking a proud milestone in her career.
Sarah Trewick, 38, from Sunderland, has worked at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) for 15 years.
Her journey began in 2010 when she joined the Trust as a healthcare assistant at Sunderland Eye Infirmary’s Macular Unit. She spent eight years there, developing her skills and passion for patient care.
She reflected:
“I was so excited to start my career in the NHS. I knew I wanted a career where I could help others, change lives and make a real difference. From my very first role at Sunderland Eye Infirmary, I was surrounded by incredible people who not only inspired me but actively supported my growth.”
After completing her NVQ Level 3, Sarah was encouraged by her matron to apply for a Nursing Degree Apprenticeship. She was successful at interview and transferred to Ward E56 at Sunderland Royal Hospital. She started studying at the University of Sunderland in January 2019.
Sarah qualified as a registered nurse in March 2023 and continued to work on E56. She progressed to Junior Sister in October 2024. It was in this role, where she started to develop leadership skills.
In January 2025, Sarah stepped up as acting Ward Manager for Ward E56. Just five months later, in June, her leadership was formally recognised with a permanent appointment to the role.
Sarah shared:
“I love caring for patients with dementia and love to see the difference we make to people's lives.
“Working on Ward E56 has been a full-circle journey for me. I’ve held every role from Healthcare Assistant and Nurse Apprentice to Registered Nurse, Junior Sister and now Ward Manager. That experience means I truly understand the pressures our team faces every day in different roles.
“Stepping into the Ward Manager role gave me a moment to reflect and I’m still amazed at how far I’ve come in such a short time. I’ve been lucky to have supportive leaders who believed in me and gave me the chance to grow.”
Under Sarah’s leadership, Ward E56, which specialises in care of the elderly, including dementia and delirium, achieved formal ward accreditation.
Sarah added:
“I’m so proud of the whole team. This accreditation means so much because it reflects the journey we’ve taken together. I’ve had the privilege of guiding and supporting them, but it was our shared commitment and teamwork that made this achievement possible.”
The team was presented with a certificate by Chief Executive, Ken Bremner MBE and Melanie Johnson, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHPs).
Melanie added:
“Sarah’s journey is a fantastic example of what’s possible when talent, determination and the right support come together. Her leadership on the ward has been outstanding and the ward’s accreditation is a testament to the dedication and compassion of the whole team. We are incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved and how they’re helping us to deliver our vision of ‘excellence in all that we do.’”
The Trust’s ward accreditation scheme brings together key standards of nursing care and management. To get accreditation, teams must demonstrate 100% compliance across all standards for three consecutive months, with ongoing audits to ensure excellence is maintained.
All wards and units across the Trust have a high standard of care, cleanliness and management. However, the ward accreditation scheme was set up by the NHS to measure, evaluate and continuously improve across the organisation.
