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Project to support patients leaving hospital scoops award

A team of Healthcare Support Workers (HCSW) at Ysbyty Alltwen have been recognised with a special award.

The HCSW project won the ‘New Ways of Working’ award, sponsored by Unison North Wales Health Branch, at this year’s Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Achievement Awards.

The project aims to prevent delays for patients leaving hospital by offering support for those, who are ready to leave hospital but may be waiting for a care package, in their own home.

Since the initiative began in 2018 it has saved 576 bed days, saving around £182,000 for the Health Board.

Louise Davies, Assistant Director of Nursing for Community Hospitals in the West of BCUHB, said: “I would like to congratulate the team on this thoroughly deserved award.

“The team are based on Morfa Ward at Ysbyty Alltwen and undertake a dual role, which involves their ward duties and also addressing calls from the community to support patients in their own homes.

“When they are on the ward they work with patients who are imminently ready for discharge. They then support these patients as they are ready to leave hospital and help to continue their rehabilitation within their home.

“Through putting the patient first and establishing their needs, working together with all members of the multidisciplinary team this initiative has shown excellent provision, delivery and improved healthcare for our patients.”

Jan Tomlinson, Unison North Wales Health Branch Secretary, said: “All three finalists in the New Ways of Working category were fantastic examples of innovation in healthcare here in North Wales.

“We were delighted to present the team from Ysbyty Alltwen with the award, and were really impressed by the difference their innovative work is making for people living in the area. We are even more thrilled that the HCSW are getting recognition for the excellent integral role they play in delivering patient care.”

The awards, sponsored by Centreprise International, celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS staff from across North Wales.

Jeremy Nash, Chief Executive of Centerprise International, said: “It was a privilege to be the headline sponsor at the Health Board’s Achievement Awards for the third year running. The Awards served as an excellent opportunity to recognise all of the amazing people working within the NHS across North Wales.

“Centerprise is committed to supporting the Welsh community and NHS in equal measure.  We were delighted to be represented at the Awards, which was a wonderful celebration of the incredible efforts of the Health Board and its committed staff.”