Epsom and St Helier shortlisted in the HSJ Patient Safety Awards

Epsom and St Helier could be adding a gong – or several – to its trophy cabinet after being shortlisted for awards recognising its outstanding efforts in providing care.

The Trust’s work to reinstate services impacted by the pandemic caught the judges’ eyes in the HSJ Patient Safety Awards – with the shortlist announced today (Monday 20 June). There are additional nominations for the Trust’s work in caring for older people, and a joint initiative running a virtual ward.

In September, ESTH will find out if it has won the Safe Restoration of Elective Services category for developing a hybrid, Covid-secure unit for patients needing complex surgery and post-operative enhanced care, after being selected from hundreds of nominations.

This unit cared for 312 patients throughout 2021/22 – helping to significantly reduce waiting times and cancellations for people with cancer, comorbidities, and many other illnesses and conditions.

It was the brainchild of the Trust's Planned Care Division, with Divisional Medical Director Andrea Sott, Divisional Nursing Director Simone Hay, and Divisional Operations Director Abi Hull leading on the project.

Dr Ruth Charlton, Chief Medical Officer at Epsom and St Helier, said: “We don’t do our jobs to win awards, but when we do receive recognition like this it’s an amazing feeling.

“Our teams worked so hard to create this unit, and the feedback we had from patients was really positive. Restoring planned care is a huge priority for us and for the wider NHS, and our staff have really stepped up to the plate to deliver this while managing the pressures of Covid.

“A big thank you to everyone who played their part, and fingers crossed for September!”

In the Improving Care for Older People Initiative of the Year category, Epsom and St Helier’s GeriPall Project – which brings the best of geriatric medicine and palliative care together – was shortlisted.

And a joint initiative between Epsom and St Helier, Sutton Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and Sutton Health and Care Community Services to develop a virtual ward has received a nod in the Virtual or Remote Care Initiative of the Year.

This ward supported some 200 patients aged 18 and older who are frail, COVID-positive or have multiple long-term conditions, in their own home.

Meanwhile, Surrey Downs Health and Care Partnership’s Integrated Frailty Service has been shortlisted for Improving Care for Older People Initiative of the Year.

Early identification of patients living with frailty improves outcomes and reduces hospital admissions, and the service’s multidisciplinary team – including staff from Epsom and St Helier – works to support people in need and promote independence.

This includes a front-door assessment at Epsom Hospital’s Emergency Department, as well as a team of community-supported specialists who work to identify patients who would benefit from early intervention.

You can find out more about the HSJ Patient Safety Awards here.