Award for Owen as Health Champion
ARUNCORN man with cerebral palsy has been recognised for his impact on how healthcare is delivered in Halton.
Owen Ashworth, 23, was one of two Cheshire men presented with Innovation Champion Awards at the North West Adult Learners’ Week Awards For Health And Care.
He was recognised for widening engagement with residents, influencing the design of a new urgent care centre, and producing easy-read information leaflets.
Owen was appointed as an administration assistant in the communications and engagement team at NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which was his first job application and a position which received more than 70 other applicants.
He had previously spent a year on a work experience placement with the team. Owen, who speaks with the help of a Tobii – similar to Stephen Hawking – said: “In my own personal view the participation and engagement with people who are classified as vulnerable, is the most important function of a CCG.
“This is because for some people with disabilities like learning disabilities, change is difficult, which causes nervousness.
“There is frustration with the system caused by the fact that the majority of the time disabled people have the solutions but can’t be heard.
“For example a patient will know where there are defects with the system and this is knowledge which could have a tremendous benefit to the NHS as a whole.”
The event, led by Health Education England in the North West, celebrates lifelong learning in all sectors involved in healthcare.
Owen was nominated for the Innovation Champion Award by his manager Des Chow, who said: “Owen has brought a different feel and culture change.
“The importance has been really brought to the fore as we are including all disabilities and other vulnerable group issues to the way we engage, plan and commission.
“Commissioners always come to him for advice and guidance on approaching, engaging and empowering the public and vulnerable or not yet reached groups.
“He is very bright and very ambitious. He has passed AS with flying colours in the past year having started late after joining a college; is now taking A2 exams and is aiming to be a barrister or MP.
“I have no doubt he will go far and the world is his oyster.”
He received his award from the Innovation Agency’s director of communications and engagement, Caroline Kenyon.
She added: “There were a lot of nominations for this category but when we read Owen’s entry we were bowled over by the comments from his manager and from NHS commentator Roy Lilley, about Owen’s impact on the way NHS Halton CCG engages with people.
“He is working hard on learning and developing knowledge and skills which will no doubt continue to have an impact on those he works with and the local population.
“Everyone at the Innovation Agency offers him huge congratulations!”