Recognising excellence in provision of NHS facilities

Held in December, The Health Business Awards is establishing a reputation for showcasing the success stories in the health sector. The event recognises and celebrates the significant contributions made each year by organisations that work inside and alongside
the NHS.

With the national media all too quick to focus on the perceived failings in the NHS, the Health Business Awards focuses on the many examples of innovation, dedication and teamwork that are evident since the NHS transformation began in 1997. The award categories incorporate facilities, technology, human resources, hospital management and transport as well as the Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare award, which is presented to an NHS organisation that has achieved success in their role and brought benefits to the wider NHS through their dedication and expertise.

How to enter
Entry is simple and free for any NHS organisation or public sector body. Entrants must submit a 500-word entry statement online before 22 October.

Shortlisted projects receive two free tickets to the 2010 Awards ceremony at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on 9 December, where a drinks reception will be followed by a three-course lunch, after which it’s time for the winners to be announced.

The 2010 Awards will be presented by Bill Turnbull of BBC News fame. He joined the BBC as a reporter for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme in 1986, and was a regular presenter on BBC News 24 and BBC Radio 5 Live, before joining the Breakfast presenting team full-time. In 2005, he was a contestant in the third series of dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing.

Air Ambulance Service Award
This award recognises the hard work and dedication of the Air Ambulance sector, which operates as 18 separate charities that raise over £35 million per year in funding. 2009 winner: Wales Air Ambulance Service.

Ambulance Trust of the Year
Over the past five years the number of ambulance 999 calls has gone up by a third, placing more pressure on ambulances and control room operations. This award is presented to the Ambulance Trust that has embraced change and demonstrated an increase in response times, the ability to provide treatment at the scene of an accident, and the provision of outpatient services. 2009 winner: London Ambulance Service.

Estates and Facilities Innovation Award, sponsored by Focused FM
New for 2010, the Facilities and Estates Innovation Award recognises NHS and other healthcare organisations that have developed innovative procedures for managing and maintaining healthcare facilities. With the threat of budget reductions looming large we are looking to encourage and propagate the best of innovative practice in the healthcare facilities arena.

Healthcare IT Award
The National Programme for IT, and the wider use of computer technology in the NHS is becoming the envy of the world, with many countries citing NHS projects as examples of good practice. This award will recognise an organisation that is responsible for implementing a groundbreaking IT project that demonstrates clear cost benefits to the wider NHS. 2009 winner: Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust – National Paediatric Toolkit (NPT).

Healthcare Recruitment Award, sponsored by Hays Recruitment
Improving patient access and choice depends on the quality and availability of staff in all areas of the hospital practice. This award will recognise the NHS organisation that has developed a robust recruitment policy that delivers both safety and continuity to patients. 2009 winner: Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.

Hospital Building Award
Since 1997, the NHS has seen a huge investment in its fabric – the biggest hospital building programme in its history. This award will be made to the new hospital building project that raises the standard of the healthcare environment and demonstrates value for money and project management excellence. 2009 winner: Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth.

Hospital Catering Award
This is presented to the NHS Trust that has strived to improve the standard of food and its nutritional value for the benefits of both patients and staff. 2009 winner: County Durham and Darlington Foundation NHS Trust – Darlington Memorial Catering Department.

Hospital Cleaning Award
Patients expect hospitals to be clean, and there is clear evidence of tremendous improvement in cleanliness and infection control standards. This award acknowledges the efforts made by NHS organisations in recent years to raise standards in cleanliness and reduce the risk of hospital acquired infections. 2009 winner: Barnsley Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Hospital Procurement Award
Recognising the NHS Trust that has delivered value for money and increased efficiency through smarter procurement practice. The winning trust will demonstrate the success of partnerships and collaborations to achieve procurement excellence and cost effectiveness. 2009 winner: Healthcare Purchasing Consortium.

Hospital Security Award
The critical assets of a hospital – its people, property, information and reputation – must be protected. This award will recognise hospitals that have made significant steps towards a safer environment for patients and workers through the implementation of a security policy that incorporates the latest advancements in CCTV, access control and other monitoring technologies. 2009 winner: Mersey Care NHS Trust.

IT Innovation Award
The need for timely, effective information in healthcare is key to realising the benefits of the huge investments in NHS staff and buildings. This award will recognise the most innovative introduction of new technology for storing, retrieving and distributing data throughout the NHS. 2009 winner: East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust – Speech recognition software implementation.

NHS Publicity Campaign Award
Awarded to the advertising campaign judged to have recorded a demonstrable success in achieving its objectives. The winning campaign can be either internal or external and can combine media including press, radio, television and outdoor advertising. 2009 winner: Act F.A.S.T. Stroke Awareness Campaign.

Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare
Awarded to an NHS organisation that has achieved success in its role and brought benefits to the wider NHS through the dedication and expertise of its staff. 2009 Winner: Guys & St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.

Sustainable Hospital Award
The environment in which people live and work, has a key influence on their health. This award recognises the NHS hospital that has made progress towards sustainability through the smarter use of energy, transport, waste management etc. in order to strive towards a reduced impact of healthcare facilities on the environment. 2009 winner: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Telehealth Award
Telehealth can provide benefits to patients, healthcare providers, and to community projects. This award will recognise the organisation that demonstrates the most innovative use of use of information and communication technology (ICT) to deliver health services, expertise and information over distance. 2009 Winner: Orchard Medical Centre/South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust.

For more information
To enter visit www.hbawards.co.uk or call 020 85320055 for more information.