KCHFT shines at HSJ Awards

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust has been announced as a finalist in two categories in this year’s Health Service Journal awards, which saw more than 1,000 nominations nationally.

In one of the most challenging and turbulent 18-months in NHS history, the trust was shortlisted for staff engagement for its efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of its colleagues and make sure they have the opportunity to feedback and shape improvements.

Already rated as one of the highest performing community trusts in the country for health and wellbeing in the NHS staff survey, the organisation did it’s very best to support staff during the pandemic.

Initiatives included supporting staff through changes to home-working, including sending letters of appreciation and children’s colouring packs to families juggling home-working, listening to colleagues through leaders’ forums and annual BIG listen, weekly virtual wobble rooms for when times become tough, a range of hands-on health and wellbeing support like fast-track physiotherapy, as well as a flo fit app to challenge teams to get active.

Louise Norris, Director of Human Resources, Organisational Development and Communications, said: “When the pandemic hit, colleagues adapted overnight to provide the very best care for our patients and reach the people who needed us. They showed a true grit and resilience and we are so very proud.

“Our aim is always to be the best employer for our people – this means supporting them in every way we can with a wealth of campaigns and dedicated initiatives. This award shortlist is incredibly welcomed for everyone who works hard behind the scenes making sure our colleagues are supported and have every opportunity to give their views and make improvements as we strive to get better and better.”

Our second successful nomination is as part of the Medway and Swale Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) in the HSJ partnership award. This was for the collaborative approach between the ICP, setting up the direct access booking into the minor injury units to help make sure patients could be referred from NHS 111.

Dawn Gaiger, Operational Lead at Gravesend and Swale Minor Injury Units said: “I am very proud to be a part of the team that has been nominated for a second time for our partnership work, especially in such difficult times. Well done to everyone for all their hard work.”

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony by the HSJ in November 2021.