A FYLDE coast safeguarding team has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Health Setting Domestic and Sexual Abuse Safeguarding has been shortlisted for this year’s HSJ Patient Safety Awards, recognising their outstanding contribution to healthcare.
They have been shortlisted despite the tough competition from hundreds of applicants.
The team is made up of specialist domestic and sexual violence advisors who provide bespoke, specialist training, support and advice to patients and staff.
It is the first of its kind nationally and has continually strived to respond to, and provide, support to victims of domestic and sexual abuse in a safe and timely manner.
Their innovative and unique model of practice has been developed over a number of years. Initially it was set up to focus on the needs of the hospital setting but has now been rolled out to the community and general practice and been adopted by three other hospital trusts.
Lisa Lonsdale, Named Nurse Safeguarding Children and Adults at the Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for these awards.
“As a team, we are extremely proud of the work we have undertaken with our partners to respond to, and provide support to, victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
“To be shortlisted is a fantastic achievement and we are thrilled that this innovative and unique practice has been recognised. This will certainly bolster our continued efforts to improve service provision and is welcomed positive news for the staff in this current unprecedented climate.’’
Peter Murphy, Director of Nursing, AHPs and Quality at the Trust, said: “We are really proud that the work of the team has been recognised by being shortlisted for these national awards.
“The team is committed to delivering improved outcomes for victims of domestic and sexual abuse and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement.”
The judging panel is made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community including Rachel Power (Chief Executive, The Patients Association), Jean Knight (Chief Operating Officer, Northamptonshire Healthcare FT) and Vincent Badu (Deputy Chief Executive, Kent & Medway Partnership Trust.
The full list of nominees for the 2020 HSJ Patient Safety Awards can be found on https://awards.patientsafetycongress.co.uk/2020-shortlist.
Winners will be selected ahead of the ceremony, which will take place virtually as part of the Patient Safety Virtual Congress and Awards in November 2020.