We are celebrating today after being shortlisted in four categories at the prestigious National Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards.
The HSJ awards, which have been held for over 40 years, celebrate excellence and success in healthcare services and share the best practice of Trusts across the UK to create a better NHS. The Trust has been shortlisted for four awards in the following categories:
System led support for carers award
South Cumbria Children’s Learning Disability and Behaviour Support Service, which supports children with learning disability and autism, as well as their families and carers, has been shortlisted in recognition for developing carer networks, reducing isolation, increasing parental confidence and competence.
Clinical leader of the year
Sam Tyrer, Prevention and Engagement Lead at the Trust, has been nominated for leading development of the ‘Change Talks’ programme. The six-week programme is delivered for schools to educate young people on mental health, covering topics such as depression, anxiety and self-harm. Sam is also behind the successful Mental Health Family Hour webinars providing online support to people during lockdown.
Mental health innovation of the year
The Trust’s MyPlace project has been nominated in the Mental Health Innovation of the Year category for an eco-therapy partnership between LSCFT and Lancashire Wildlife Trust. The aim of the initiative is to improve mental health in young people and adults by giving them the opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills and build up resilience.
Driving efficiency through technology
The Trust’s use of technology to improve patient experience within mental health services has been recognised and specifically a newly developed ‘Advice & Guidance’ system. The software uses instant messaging to improve the accuracy of referrals and enables GPs to contact hospitals to discuss which mental health service is most appropriate for a patient.
Chief Executive, Caroline Donovan, said:
“I am delighted to see the Trust has been shortlisted four times across such broad categories in one of the most prestigious healthcare awards in the UK. We have been focused on delivering improvements across all our services and there has been some excellent transformation and innovation developed by colleagues in many teams.
We still have a long way to go in ensuring we are delivering the very best, safe and accessible care but it’s great to see us being recognised alongside other forward-thinking projects.
The teams and individuals shortlisted have demonstrated their commitment to our service users, their families and carers and this culture is something I am so keen to encourage across the Trust.
Our values of kindness, teamwork, respect and learning shine through in each and every one of the shortlisted entries and I wish everyone the very best of luck in the next stage.”
Well done to everyone who has been shortlisted. The next stage includes presentations to judges in the New Year and the winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony held on March 17, 2021.
