PRESS RELEASE (28.10.21): Healthwatch Brighton and Hove shortlisted for two prestigious awards
The Healthwatch Awards 2021 are run by Healthwatch England.
Our nominated projects have helped over 1700 people, helped improve discharge processes, signposted people to community support and aided our local NHS Trust’s hospital discharge team and local authority during lockdown. They also demonstrate our close collaboration with other partners across the network.
This annual event celebrates the difference Healthwatch’s 4,000 plus staff and volunteers across England have made over the past year. Healthwatch Brighton and Hove is one of only 30 local Healthwatch out of a total of 152 across England to be in the running for one of the awards. We are one of just a handful of Healthwatch teams to have been nominated in two separate categories.
Healthwatch Brighton and Hove will find out whether its award bids have been successful during Healthwatch Week, which runs from Tuesday 9 November 2021.
“These awards are for the entire extended Healthwatch Brighton and Hove family. Over the last year, we have reached out to, and supported, more people than ever before. None of this could have been done without our dedicated staffing team, and amazing and very experienced volunteers and I am extremely proud of them for all that they have helped our organisation to achieve."
“'It is a real tribute to the staff and volunteers in Healthwatch Brighton and Hove that we have been nominated by Healthwatch England, for not just one but two awards. We could not have done this work without the collaboration of our partners, thank you. Being nominated will give a much deserved boost for everyone involved.”
"This year once again the standard of entries for the Healthwatch Week awards was extremely high. Your local Healthwatch has been shortlisted because of excellent work which has really benefited your community. I am extremely proud of the inspiring dedication shown by our staff and volunteers to making a real difference for your community, whether that be by reaching out to those whose views are not being heard, helping people find the support they need or making sure NHS and social care services act on the improvements that you want to see.”
Shortlisted projects
- Our Hospital Discharge Wellbeing Service
In April 2020, we launched the Hospital Discharge Wellbeing Service (HOPS). Our volunteers call adults recently discharged from hospital to check on their health and wellbeing and raise any hospital discharge issues directly with our local NHS Trust. They also signpost people to services that they may benefit from. By the end April 2021, our volunteers had contacted 1,731 people. The service was recognised nationally by the Local Government Association and the British Red Cross (February 2021). Other Integrated Care Systems across the country are also intending to establish a similar service.
- Read our report
- Our End of Life project
Healthwatch Brighton and Hove talked to 15 patients at the Royal Sussex County Hospital who were sadly at the end of their lives. We spoke to people about their discharge from hospital and many issues emerged. Our recommendations were accepted in full by our Trust with a pledge to improve the care pathway and they formally responded to our report. The Health and Wellbeing Board proposed our findings form part of the city’s ‘Dying Well’ Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy delivery plan. Our report was presented to an End of Life Gold Standards Framework meeting and to an external research team.
For further help and advice contact:
Healthwatch Brighton and Hove office@healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk