2011 Finalists Announced
The judging for the 2011 Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards (MCHPA) has been completed. There have been over 100 applications, from across the UK, highlighting the incredible results achieved by the partnership between the Defence Medical Services (DMS), the NHS and voluntary sector. The Finalists in each of the 9 categories can be proud of the fact that they represent the best of a service that delivers the highest quality of care to our Armed Forces and Veterans.
The Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT) is recognised in 4 of the 9 categories. Their Finalists’ work ranges from the introduction of advanced dressings for military wounds to the management of acute pain for in-patients (both military and civilian) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
Gp Capt Wendy Williams, the Commanding Officer at RCDM said,
“I am delighted to see that both uniformed and civilian members of staff working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham have been nominated for the MCHPA. It is important that the hard work and incredible patient outcomes that this successful partnership achieves are recognised and celebrated.”
Ms Julie Moore, CEO UHBFT, said,
“It is a fitting tribute that the dedication of the Trust's teams and their RCDM partners has been recognised amongst the awards finalists. Bringing these teams together over the years has provided the opportunity to build academic knowledge around pioneering clinical innovations, often performed for the first time to save lives and limbs.
"Thanks to these partnerships many more people, both military personnel and NHS patients, survive injuries, when not so long ago they would have died due to the rapid loss of blood and severe trauma. I am proud of our staff and wish them the very best of luck in their respective categories in the final.”
The Finalists working with Veterans show how Health and Social care provision throughout the UK can be tailored to local needs. Improving access to welfare and specialist mental health care has delivered outstanding results.
The MCHPA ceremony will be hosted by MoD in partnership with UHBFT on 09 Nov 11 at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. It will be preceded by a presentation of the care pathway from Afghanistan to rehabilitation and recovery. This will highlight how those finalists have uniquely contributed to the excellent service those patients receive from the DMS, NHS and voluntary sectors in partnership.
Andrew Robathan, Minister (Defence Personnel Welfare and Veterans) at the MoD said,
“When I launched the MCHPA in June this year, I was confident that the outstanding service provided to our Armed Forces and Veterans would be recognised in these awards. So I am delighted to see the shortlist announced today and wish every finalist the very best of luck for the awards ceremony in November.”
Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy, Scottish Parliament said,
"These awards recognise the efforts of those who work tirelessly to provide the world class medical care that our servicemen and women, and veterans deserve. They help to promote clinical excellence and demonstrate the successful partnership between our dedicated healthcare providers, armed forces personnel, their families and veterans. They are also a fantastic way in which to show just how much we value their commitment and expertise.
"I congratulate the nominees from Scotland for their professionalism, skill and commitment and wish them all the best in the finals.”
Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Health and Social Services, National Assembly for Wales said,
"Our military personnel, from across the Services and operating in a variety of diverse roles, do an outstanding job and the Welsh people have a proud history of serving their country in both conflict and humanitarian roles.
"The Welsh Government works closely with its counterparts in the MoD, Department of Health, across Government and the devolved administrations to ensure that the services and support needed by our military personnel, past and present, is available when their need is greatest. This is particularly true in the field of healthcare.
"These awards recognise the strong partnership between military and civilian health providers and celebrates success which will drive further improvements in service provision. All the finalists can be proud of their achievements and I wish them all success but particularly Major Lawrence of Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff, nominated in the Healthcare Reservist of the Year category and the All-Wales Veterans Health and Wellbeing Service, nominated in the Mental Health and Care of Veterans Categories."
Simon Burns, Minister of State for Health, England said,
"Servicemen and women give so much to our country and I am delighted that the exceptional care given to them is recognised by these awards. Healthcare professionals from the NHS and social care provide vital support to service personnel and it is great to see their hard work and expertise acknowledged.
"I wish all the finalists good luck."
Edwin Poots, Health Minister, Northern Ireland Assembly said,
“As Northern Ireland Health Minister I am extremely proud to be involved in celebrating the achievement of those individuals and teams who sacrifice so much and show such enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism in providing care, treatment and support to our Armed Forces, their families and service veterans.
“I want to pay particular tribute to Lt Col Alan Moore MBE from Altnagelvin Hospital, who has been nominated for Healthcare Reservist of the Year. He, and all the other deserving finalists, are the unsung heroes who deliver outstanding care to our armed forces and I am very pleased that their work is highlighted through this competition.”