KCHFT scoops nine Healthwatch awards

Projects that reeled in fishermen for vital health checks to colleagues who really get their teeth into their job were just two of our winners at this year's Healthwatch Kent Awards.

KCHFT took home nine Healthwatch awards, for projects that empowered local people, gave back to communities and reduced health inequalities.

Oral Health Practitioner Joanne Downs who works in our dental services, was awarded for her excellence in inspiring individuals, recognising her dedication to her service.

Jo first joined KCHFT as a temporary worker during the pandemic and helped vaccinate thousands of people at one of our large Covid vaccination sites. She featured in BBC South East news programme about her experience as part of a five-year lockdown anniversary story.

Jo said: "To be nominated for this award is an absolute honour. I am very passionate about oral health and prevention of disease. For the last three years I have build some great relationships with other health professionals and wellbeing teams. I believe making every contact count is the way to forward and collaborative working with our colleagues in Kent together we can make a difference."

The East Kent Home First Team was honoured for empowering local people to monitor standards and drive improvements, while the Adult Communication Assistive Technology Service was recognised for its outstanding involvement of people in both the commissioning and delivery of services.

Our work supporting the health of fishermen as part of an inclusion group was celebrated for its commitment to inclusivity and equal access.

Health Inequalities and Partnerships Manager, Helen Merrick, who led the project, said: "The collaboration with fishermen has been a true partnership. The insights gained have been shared with local health providers to ensure we address any unmet needs and improve access to care for this vital community."

In partnership with South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, our colleagues working in the east Kent clinical hubs, which provide a single point of access so frail patients get the urgent treatment they need at home, relieving pressure on emergency teams, also received an award for being a prime example of a successful collaboration.

The East Kent Frailty virtual wards programme were commended for their work in acute assessment and medical management for patients in their home, to keep them out of hospital. East Kent Diabetes Peer Support also received an award for excellence as did the Marsh Primary Care Network Integrated Neighbourhood Team for Breast Screening,

KCHFT colleagues involved in other partnership and system projects were also recognised, including: The West Kent Residents’ Charter, Innovation Healthcare Inequalities Programme for Cholesterol Optimisation and the NHSE Rural Health and Social Care Employability Programme

Congratulations to all of the 2025 winners.