Trailblazing initiatives to improve care for our patients, and train the digital healthcare champions of the future, have seen CHFT shortlisted in three categories at the HSJ Digital Awards this June.

The Improving Medicines Management and Pharmacy through Digital category entry is for the first-of-its-type electronic controlled drugs register. The new digital system is aimed at improving patient safety and medicine management, but also frees up colleagues’ time to care. The system was built in conjunction with Solidsoft, a software company who specialise in all aspects of controlled drugs management. 

We’re also a finalist in the Improving Urgent and Emergency Care through Digital category. This is for creating a streamlined software model to improve workflow between our two A&Es and nearby SDECs, supporting patients to receive care out of hospital, reducing hospital waiting times. A huge benefit for colleagues is that there is improved visibility of patients who can be transferred to a SDEC area, as opposed to waiting in A&E.

Last March we welcomed our first cohort of new student nurses and allied healthcare professionals (AHPs) from Huddersfield University, in a new programme of digital placements (main picture). And that programme has seen us become finalists in the Digital Literacy, Education and Upskilling Award category. The pioneering scheme – thought to be one of the first in the UK – sees them receive an in-depth view of our technology at CHFT, so that they can eventually hit the ground running, having been exposed to and trained in our digital processes.

Chief Digital and Information Officer, Rob Birkett, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see the work of so many colleagues recognised once again at the finals of these influential awards. Being finalists is recognition of all the hard work that has been put in by both digital and divisional teams.

“THIS colleagues have a brilliant working relationship with divisional colleagues at CHFT, which is demonstrated though the strength of the entries and the improvements that have been delivered.

“It truly cements our commitment to being one of the most digitally mature trust in the UK and the benefits that brings to our patients, colleagues and communities. Our digital health colleagues alongside The Heath Informatics Service teams are committed to supporting innovative improvements in healthcare for patients and colleagues both within the Trust and across the West Yorkshire system."

The Awards celebrate excellence in digitising, connecting, and transforming health and care services through technology, and the ceremony takes place on Thursday, 6th of June in Manchester. Good luck to all our nominees - we’ll be rooting for you!

Annual HSJ Awards open for nominations now

It’s a good opportunity to let colleagues know that the prestigious annual HSJ Awards are now open for nominations.

The Awards are a great chance to put the spotlight on your team's achievements, gain national recognition for your work and boost team morale.

Last year we had two finalists at the Awards for our work to dramatically reduce waiting lists, and for the treatment of Barrett’s Oesophagus.

There are a whopping 26 categories this year – so plenty to choose from, so why not take a look at them and start planning your entry now.

The deadline for nominations is Friday 31st May. If you’d like support with your entry, please email communications@cht.nhs.uk by Monday, 15th April, so we have time to talk through your submission with you.

Take a look at the categories and enter via the HSJ Awards website.