Trust is three times lucky at ‘Oscars’ of Nursing

For the third consecutive year local mental health service provider 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has received a top commendation at the ‘Oscars’ of Nursing – the Nursing Times Awards.

Advanced Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Settle was Highly Commended for the collaborative clinic she initiated together with Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust’s Dr Arvind Kumar.

In a real ‘first’ for mainstream NHS services, consenting patients have their physical health needs assessed and are screened for the early signs of memory problems during the same visit at the Thomas Linacre Clinic in Wigan. An optional referral to an established memory service is available if required.

The nominee recognised that early diagnosis is a cost-effective way to manage and organise treatment of dementia; allows for future care planning and improves the patient’s quality of life before the condition worsens.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and so grateful to all my colleagues; the Nursing Times and the judges,” says Jennifer. “I'd like to thank both trusts for supporting our vision and Wigan Clinical Commissioning Group for commissioning our dual-purpose clinic which marries physical healthcare with mental healthcare. I’d particularly like to acknowledge Dr Kumar whose expertise has been vital to the success of this project which we look forward to jointly developing further.”
The commendation, which recognises individuals or teams who have developed initiatives that have improved the delivery of mental health care, was presented to the Trust at a glittering ceremony in London on 31 October.

Simon Barber, Chief Executive at 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to add to our two previous Nursing Times Awards with a Highly Commended placing. It’s a fantastic achievement for Jennifer and everyone else who has been involved in the initiative.”

“Improving services for people with dementia is one of the CCG’s key priorities,” says Trish Anderson, Chief Officer at Wigan Clinical Commissioning Group. “Therefore we are delighted that two of our partner trusts have been recognised for their work in this area, and congratulate them on this commendation from the Nursing Times Awards.”