University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for Acute Trust of the Year at the HSJ Awards 2021.

This recognises the Trust’s outstanding contribution to healthcare – in what has been an exceptional and challenging period across the sector.

UHCW stood out amongst tough competition from hundreds of other exemplary applicants and was shortlisted following the intense and in-depth judging process, ahead of the official awards ceremony to be held later this year (November 18th).

UHCW was selected based on ambition, visionary spirit and the demonstrable positive impact that they have had on both patient and staff experiences.

Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of UHCW, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award.

“This recognition truly reflects the collaborative efforts and dedication of our incredible staff who have worked so hard to successfully deliver excellent care throughout a challenging year.

“Over the past year UHCW has provided a window into the NHS and I am so proud that throughout it all the dedication and care which we have shown to our patients has shone through.

“Knowing that there was such stiff competition this year really does make this announcement feel like a wonderful achievement for everyone involved and the nomination has been a tremendous boost to staff.”

UHCW has had an exceptional year, rarely out of the spotlight due to its leading contribution to the NHS’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ahead of the effects of the pandemic on the UK the Trust worked with healthcare leaders in other countries to quickly develop a wide ranging and comprehensive response to ensure they continue to deliver world class care, such as creating a tool to monitor usage of oxygen in real time and remodelling frontline services to ensure it was never overwhelmed while also continuing to deliver cancer services and surgery throughout the pandemic.

Cementing its place as a global leader in healthcare, the Trust was at the centre of the world’s media when 90-year-old Maggie Keenan was given the first Covid-19 vaccine, outside of clinical trials, signalling the launch of the biggest ever vaccination programme from Coventry.

The Trust has also been a leader for modelling the future of the NHS, with their ability to continue providing innovative care for their patients demonstrated in the thousands of additional appointments and procedures provided through the accelerator programme, with 60,000 additional patients being seen in the past few months, reducing waiting times for patients. 

Over the last five years UHCW has worked in partnership with the Virginia Mason Institute in the USA to develop and implement a unique method for improvement which has contributed to sustainable improvements and a culture that is able to respond flexibly to challenges, such as those experienced in the pandemic. The Trust also works in partnership as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Health and Care System to ensure the best results possible for patients.

HSJ editor Alistair McLellan, comments: “On behalf of all my colleagues, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust on being nominated in the category of Acute Trust of the Year, in this year’s HSJ Awards.

“The applications we receive always present our panel of judges with a very difficult task as the standard is unfailingly high and the breadth of innovation and passion for patient care is always so inspiring.

“This year, we really have been overwhelmed with the level of entries, particularly when set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and the huge challenges faced by our health and social care workforce.

“We are therefore looking forward to welcoming all our finalists to the live ceremony in November and joining us in celebrating their incredible achievements and commitment to excellence.”

Despite the demanding circumstances of the past 18 months, over 1,000 entries have been received for this year’s HSJ Awards, with 205 organisations, projects and individuals making it to the final shortlist. The volume and standards of applications has been a true testament to those health and social care staff, who continue to push outstanding work and transformational projects across the sector.

The judging panel was once again made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, including Sir Bruce Keogh (Chair, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s FT); Marie Gabriel CBE (Chair, NHS Race and Health Observatory); and former HSJ Trust of the Year winners Ann Marr OBE (Chief Executive, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals Trust) and Richard Mitchell (Chief Executive, Sherwood Forest Hospitals FT).

The full list of nominees for the HSJ Awards 2021 can be found on https://awards.hsj.co.uk/shortlist-2021.