Three projects reach NHS awards

STAFF at Hywel Dda University Health Board are celebrating after three of its projects to support local patients and communities made the finals of this year’s NHS Wales Awards.

The national awards recognise how innovative ideas for change can make a significant difference to the patients who need care, the organisations who provide care, and the health and care system as a whole.

Successful local finalists include the introduction of a team of different health and social professionals in Carmarthenshire who provide intermediate care, in the category of delivering person-centred services. The team provides a range of short-term support that can help people recover in their home environment and prevent further decline which may otherwise lead to hospital admission.

Also reaching the finals is a project to improve the workflow and efficiency of pharmacy services in Glangwili Hospital in the category of enriching the wellbeing, capability and engagement of the health and care workforce.

A partnership pilot project between the Same Day Emergency Care team at Withybush Hospital and the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust has also been shortlisted in the category of providing services in partnership across NHS Wales. It is the first SDEC team in Wales to accept direct referrals of patients from paramedics. This is aimed at avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions, improving the patient experience and supporting ambulance availability.

Hywel Dda UHB chief executive Steve Moore said: “It is wonderful to see three of our teams of staff and partners showcased for their inspiring work together. Our health and care community continues to strive to improve healthcare practices and patient care.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on October 10.