Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust is delighted after being shortlisted for four gongs in a prestigious national awards ceremony.
The organisation, which runs Sandwell, City and Rowley Regis Hospitals, Leasowes Intermediate Care Centre, and a number of GP practices, has been named finalists in the HSJ Awards 2020.
Dr Sarb Clare, Acute Medical Consultant, is up for Clinical Leader of the Year, The Alcohol Care Team has been recognised in the Acute Sector Innovation of the Year category, the Sustainability team has been shortlisted for the Environmental Sustainability Award, whilst the Communications team is a finalist in the NHS Communications Initiative of the Year Award.
All four will find out if they have won in a ceremony held in March 2021.
Dr David Carruthers, Acting Chief Executive, said: “The HSJ Awards is a very prestigious event and I am delighted that three of our teams and Dr Clare have been recognised for their innovative work.
“The work of the Alcohol Care team has continued throughout the pandemic, caring for people who need crucial support for alcohol misuse. They have introduced a number of innovative ways of working which has led to patients not needing to attend hospital for treatment or the length of their stay being reduced dramatically.
“Meanwhile the work of the Communications team to promote the Trust going smoke free ensured not only our staff, but also patients and visitors were well aware of the new ban in place. Material was also produced in foreign languages and publicity around the ban resulted in worldwide media coverage, with other UK Trusts contacting the team so they could learn how we successfully implemented the restriction.
“Dr Clare’s work around wellbeing, as well as women empowerment of her colleagues, shows true leadership. She introduced energy pods, which led to a significant improvement in psychological, physical health as well as the ability to manage stress for doctors. This is just one of many initiatives she has introduced into the Trust, and was recently recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, having been awarded an MBE.
“It is also fantastic news that many of our environmentally-friendly schemes have been recognised, contributing to the clean air agenda across the West Midlands.
“This has included introducing electric car charging points, a car sharing scheme and cycle lanes across sites. The Trust has clearly demonstrated our commitment to forming a greener and more sustainable workplace.”
Dr Carruthers added: “This year has been extremely challenging due to the pandemic so news of our services and staff being recognised for their achievements is extremely welcome.”