Jia, who is also a member of the RCN Eastern board and works at Colchester Hospital, received her award at RCN Congress in Liverpool.

As a learning rep, Jia is undertaking additional research about colour blindness in staff from ethnic backgrounds, which is less identifiable than in white communities.  

Jia’s research into colour blindness highlights that affected staff cannot see the RAG rating on a patient’s chart when documenting the severity of a patient’s condition if it is declining. This will have far reaching implications for all workplaces.

Jia is an ambassador for the Filipino staff and works closely with the Filipino association within her workplace. Jia advises, informally coaches and manages expectations regarding sending money back home, which can be challenging after paying routine monthly bills in the UK, and supporting staff to transition into UK culture. 

Jia is also always at the forefront speaking up on LGBTQ+ matters, as well as being a cultural ambassador.

After receiving the award, Jia said: “For me, winning this award is a deeply humbling recognition of the work I am passionate about - advocating for equity, compassion and inclusion in healthcare.

“It reflects the voices of the communities I represent, and I accept it with gratitude on their behalf.”