We have CHFT colleagues at two of the country's most prestigious healthcare awards finals later this year.

FINALIST 1 

Our pioneering, personalised care for dementia patients - bringing students onto the wards - is through to the finals of the HSJ's Patient Safety Awards 2016. CHFT is up against eight other Trusts (see full list below).

Matron Renee Comerford has delivered a presentation ahead of the finals next Tuesday (July 5) in Manchester. We currently have around 60 sixth formers - who all want to work in healthcare - assisting the ward teams delivering care and assisting with our Prevention of Delirium programme.

Renee said the judges loved the scheme, asked to come and see it in action and even suggested it should be nationally adopted. So, initial signs are brilliant. All crossed for Student Power at CHFT! We are up against:

• Barchester Healthcare
• Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation trust
• Cumbria Partnership Foundation Trust
• Cwm Taf University Health Board
• ENGIE
• North Bristol Trust
• North East London Foundation Trust
• Tameside Hospital Foundation Trust
• Windsor Ascot and Maidenhead Clinical Commissioning Group

FINALISTS 2

And our Head and Neck Cancer teams - double winner at last year's Celebrating Success - are through to the finals of the Nursing Times awards in London. 

The team has put forward their Rehabilitation Project for the Cancer Nursing Award. It includes their intense rehabilitation for our Head and Neck cancer patients who have complex issues and symptoms following their treatment. It also includes the development of the Cancer care  coordinator role. 

It demonstrates true multi-disciplinary working, with nurse, dietitian and speech and language therapist. They key outcomes have been improved Quality of Life for patients which is always the aim of the Team, and the added bonus of cost savings to the Trust and CCG.

Team leader Michelle Beaumont was an individual winner at last year's Celebrating Success awards.