Revolutionary community service shortlisted for top gongs

Staff of a revolutionary Fylde coast health service are celebrating after receiving news that their hard work has been shortlisted for two top national awards.

The community based Extensive Care service, which was set up as the first of its kind for local health services back in 2015, provides dedicated support for local people over the age of 60 with two or more long-term conditions. A range of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other staff all work together to help patients get their conditions under control, improve overall wellbeing and in turn reduce the need to access other services.

Now, the huge impact made on patient experiences and outcomes by the team has been recognised with a shortlisting in the Care of Older People category at the prestigious Nursing Times awards.

The good news doesn’t stop there though, with Dr Andrew Weatherburn, clinical lead for the service at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, being just one of three individuals shortlisted at the national Kate Granger Awards for Compassionate Care.

These awards are dedicated to Dr Kate Granger who sadly passed away in July 2016. Kate was the founder of the globally recognised #hellomynameis campaign to encourage all health and care staff, whatever their role, wherever they work, to deliver care with compassion, recognising the individual and their care needs.

Speaking after receiving news of the nominations, Dr Andrew Weatherburn, Extensive Care clinical lead at Blackpool Hospitals NHS Foundation said:

“I’m enormously proud of our Extensive Care team and everything we have achieved over the last couple of years.

When we began this journey, we started with the clear aim of improving experiences of care and outcomes for patients. The evidence we have shows we are doing just that, 100% of our patients would recommend the service to a friend or family member which is a real testament and many have spoken openly about the great positive impact we have had on their health and general daily living.

Personally, being shortlisted for the Dr Kate Granger awards is really humbling and a proud moment. I have to say though, I am even prouder that our whole team efforts have been recognised with the nomination for the Nursing Times award.”

Jason Flannigan-Salmon, head of the Extensive Care service at Blackpool Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, added:

“I can’t put into words how proud I am of our team and all of their continued efforts. This recognition is absolutely well deserved and just goes to show the impact we have had for patients. To win either would be a huge achievement for us all.”