CHFT teams last night came away with two awards from the UK ‘s most fiercely fought healthcare awards of the year - the Health Service Journal awards now in their 39th year.

We had an amazing three teams at the HSJ finals hosted by Cold Feet star James Nesbitt - Digital Day Case Knee Surgery, 20:20 Outpatients project and the CRH Acute Team.

There were 22 categories and hundreds of entries  - and three levels of judging to get through - so to be even shortlisted was a tremendous achievement reflecting our Trust’s strength in depth.

Digital Day Case Knee Surgery - (pictured top left)  just missed a top gong and was Highly Commended in their category of Digitalising Patient Services.  Highly commendeds were only awarded where it was a very close run category.

Team spokesman, orthopaedic surgeon Graham Walsh, said: “We came so close to winning. It was a fantastic night and reflection of the team effort. This is a real boost for all the hard work and effort between us and our partners BBraun and Locala.  We have all worked together and across boundaries on this to improve patient care.” 

The CRH Acute Team scooped Best  Team Tweet of the Night after a daring bid to build a human pyramid in the photo studio.

They very nearly did it but at the last minute the top tiers seemed to disappear and it collapsed as the photo shows (top right). Their efforts still won a magnum of champagne.

Consultant Nick Scriven said: " Last night sums up our  all-for-one and one-for-all ethos. It was a wonderful achievement to be there. What a great team we have. We "blame" Sue Crossland for the pyramid idea!"

Chief Operating Officer Helen Barker,  said:  "I just slipped off the back! They are a special team, with a very special dynamic and it is all about team. They aren’t just a group of colleagues, they are more than that, they are a team.”

Lisa Williams from the 20:20 team, said: “It was a fabulous experience. It was great to listen to and share all the good experiences.”

For all the results in all categories see https://awards.hsj.co.uk/hsj-awards-2019-winners