Headlines: February 28th, 2007

AWARDS FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STAFF

 

Local authorities, community groups and a prison were among organisations that were honoured in the prestigious Health and Social Care Awards this year. The 12 winning teams from NHS and other care organisations across England and one outstanding individual achiever were chosen from an initial 1,500 entrants.

The awards ceremony was attended by front-line staff from a variety of public and third sector bodies, as well as private business, and followed the annual ‘NHS Live’ event featuring presentations by a number of organisations showcasing ongoing development and learning work. The Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt, who presented the award for Health and Social Care Team of the Year, congratulated all the finalists and said the awards were an opportunity to recognise and reward the innovation and care shown by individuals and teams.

“For the many people who rely on the two million health and social care staff in England these awards are a recognition of dedication and expertise. This is a tribute to the high standards of innovative care which are at the core of the daily business of health and social care workers, “she said.

The Team of the Year award went to the Poolsbrook Parents Health Group, incorporating the local community, Derby County PCT’s Health Visiting service, staff from Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Hospitals Trust School Nursing service, the education department of Derbyshire County Council and Staveley Neighbourhood Management. The Outstanding Achiever of the Year was Jenny Dautlich from Gloucestershire Speakability.

HM Prison Dartmoor and the group Storybook Dads took the award for Improving Health and Wellbeing and Bradford Social Services gained the Mental Health Award for its Meri Yaadain Dementia Project. The Health Forecasting team from the Met Office were rewarded for their work with the Innovative Service Award and the Innovative Technology Award was won by the Cardiovascular Physics and Engineering team at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Other awards went to Leeds Mental Health NHS Trust, NHS East Midlands, Westminster PCT, the Children’s Clinic at Nottingham University Hospitals, the physiotherapy department from Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford and Waverley PCT and Options for Life. The award for improving access went to Teignbridge area, Devon PCT and South Devon Healthcare Trust and the Queen Mother’s Award for Dignity in Care of Older People was won by the Rochdale Anti-ageism Video Project Team, which draws together staff from NHS trusts, Rochdale PCT, Age Concern, Salford University, Hopwood Hall College and the Adult Services staff of Rochdale Borough Council as well as a user
and carer action forum.