Our CHuFT Awards take place next Thursday, 24th July. Over the past few weeks we’ve featured more from our finalists about how they felt when they learned they would be heading to The Arches in Dean Clough for the summer awards ceremony.

Our final category is Digital Champion. Our judges were looking for a team or colleague who has delivered digital change or digital innovation through digital and/or data. Our finalists are:

• Christopher Roberts, Deputy Director of Operations and the Dermatology Team: Dermatology
• Deehan Mair, Quality Improvement Lead: Cancer Services
• Gawaine Carter, Head of Corporate and Primary Care Information: Corporate Information Team, The Health Informatics Service
• Helen Finelli, Children and Young People Governance Co-ordinator: Children and Young People’s Services
• James Battye, Head of Cardiac and Respiratory Physiology Services: Cardiology

Chris said: “We were all really proud to receive the nomination in recognition of implementing a new pathway for patients with suspected cancer. Embracing the use of technology has dramatically improved the pathway and ensured that our clinical team can spend more time enhancing the care of our patients. Using technology really is a step forward in delivery of patient care.”

Deehan told us: “When I saw my name on the list saying I was a finalist, I was so shocked that I gasped with delight. I had to read it again to check I didn’t imagine it. I am truly grateful to be a finalist and am looking forward to the award ceremony - it will be such a great event!”

Helen was away on holiday in Crete with family when we announced the finalists. She said: “A colleague sent me a screen shot of the announcements to say that I had got through to the finals. I was so pleased and very surprised. It was a shock to hear that I'd been nominated, so to get through to the finals is amazing and a real honour. In 2023 I attended the awards as a golden ticket holder, this year will be so exciting to be one of the finalists."

James added: “It was a surprise to be nominated as this is part of what we do to improve services. This has been a team effort from all those involved in the Cardio-Respiratory Department, IT, and the Radiology/PACS team. Without everyone working together this would not have been possible. A special mention to David Armitage who has been project manager and co-ordinated all parties with the implementation of 3rd parties and the AGFA solution for all Cardiac and Respiratory Diagnostic reports to be visible on EPR.

"We look forward to celebrating and recognising the hard work that everyone across the organisation puts in every day and throughout the year.”

Pictured clockwise from top left: Dee, Chris and the Dermatology Team, Gawaine, Helen with grandchildren Ralphie and Liliana on holiday, and James.

Finally, a huge congratulations to our other nominees: