Initiative aimed to give the vulnerable a voice scoops prestigious award

The Healthy Hyde Team are celebrating after scooping a prestigious British Medical Journal Award.

The award for Primary Care Team of the Year was presented to The Hyde Healthy Team at this year’s 12th BMJ Awards. 

The team, who provide health care for the population of Hyde to improve health inequalities and patient care, won the award for their intervention for vulnerable patients in care homes, giving an effective voice in how they are managed, enabling them to live longer and stay in control. 

Admissions and attendances at emergency departments (ED) from care homes have fallen faster than in any other neighbourhoods in Tameside and Glossop.  

There was a 19 per cent reduction in emergency department attendances from care homes in Hyde (April – November 2019) compared with the same period a year earlier. 

Dr Jane Harvey, GP at Hyde Primary Care Network and Haughton Thornley Medical Centres said: “High numbers of patients in care homes, many with memory problems and dementia, were being admitted to hospital and experiencing adverse outcomes.  

“We set up a complex case nurse intervention service, with three complex care nurses and project manager who speak with residents and families to agree advanced care plans reflecting ongoing clinical needs and personal wishes. 

“This has improved staff and patient experience and enabled more efficient working across clinical and social care.” 

NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group CCG Co-Chair, Dr Syed Asad Ali said: “I am delighted for The Healthy Hyde Team who truly deserve the reward and recognition for their commitment and dedication to providing a great service in helping to reduce the number of hospital A&E admissions by those in our care homes.  

“It is right that we empower the vulnerable in our community, giving them a voice in how they want to be managed in our care system. 

“The BMJ Awards recognise the extraordinary and innovative work of healthcare professionals throughout the country and this is great exposure for the team, especially due to the challenges the pandemic has brought this year.  

“Well done to Dr Jane Harvey; Dr Lisa Gutteridge; Jodie Winterbottom, Community Matron; Melissa Lawton and Chloe Williams, Complex Care Nurses and Sally Culmer, Project Manager for your hard work, dedication and commitment.”