Awards recognise excellence in NHS
TRANSFORMING mental health services, managing antibiotics wisely and respecting residents’ wishes at the end of their life were just some of the projects to win at this year’s NHS Wales Awards.
Eight awards were given to NHS organisations across Wales for their innovative work and best practice that is improving the quality and safety of patient care.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board led the way with three awards, partnering with the School of Medicine at Cardiff University on one project working on hospital design and quality initiatives to meet the needs of frail older people, particularly those with dementia.
The health board also received awards for work on Band 4 healthcare support workers in complex care and the Torfaen Community Service integrated management approach to reducing falls in older people and improving bone health.
The Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust won the Improving Health and Wellbeing and Reducing Inequalities category and the Outstanding Contribution to Prudent Healthcare award, presented by Chief Medical Officer Dr Frank Atherton, for their work on improving clinical outcomes for patients.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Vaughan Gething, who attended the ceremony, said: “The NHS Wales Awards are a national showcase for excellence and celebrate best practice in improving patient care across Wales. It’s a great opportunity to learn from each other and recognise the inspiring innovation of our NHS staff.
“Every finalist should be proud to be shortlisted for an award. It’s encouraging to see such passion and dedication to improving services provided across Wales”.
Dr Andrew Goodall, NHS Wales director general of health and social services, said: “It’s a privilege as always to attend this year’s NHS Wales Awards, which is the 10th anniversary for the awards. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the talent, commitment and ingenuity of staff who strive to improve outcomes for people using services in Wales.
“I congratulate all the winners both past years and present for their achievements and ongoing work to share best practice across the NHS in Wales. Service and patient experience is better as a result of their efforts.
“We look forward to the next 10 years of the awards and are already excited to see the innovative projects that will be entered in the years to come.”
The NHS Wales Awards are organised by 1000 Lives Improvement, the national improvement service for NHS Wales delivered by Public Health Wales. The Awards were launched in 2008 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the NHS and recognise and promote good practice across Wales. This year’s awards were sponsored by Life Sciences Hub Wales and ID Medical.
Entries were received from a range of organisations, revealing a high standard of innovative and diverse work that is transforming patient care across Wales.