We are delighted and proud to announce that North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust has won the prestigious award of NHS Trust of the Year at the national Health Service Journal Awards
The Award was announced at a glittering event in London last night and is amongst the most prestigious awards in the NHS. Judges praised in particular, the Outstanding rating of Combined and its achievements as the best performing trust in the entire NHS across the NHS People Promises and Themes in the 2021 NHS Staff Survey.
The judges said:
“In 2019, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust was delighted and proud to announce that the Care Quality Commission had awarded it an overall ‘Outstanding’ rating – the highest overall rating they can award – making Combined Healthcare one of only two specialist mental health trusts in England with an overall “Outstanding” rating. The winners gave a very thoughtful presentation and the judges were impressed by the progress displayed. A number of factors were focused on when making the decision and the judges were particularly interested in the staff survey and CQC ratings.”
In his welcome speech, HSJ editor Alastair McLellan said: “Despite the service operating under worsening pressure, the finalists of this year’s HSJ Awards have proved that innovation continues in the NHS. Change in the NHS takes commitment and determination. You have shown that in spades. You have also demonstrated creativity, courage and wisdom. Most of all, you should be applauded for keeping the NHS moving forward under the most difficult of circumstances – for keeping alive the flame of innovation.”
Welcoming the news, Interim Chief Executive, Buki Adeyemo, said:
“Wow. What a night and what an achievement for Combined Healthcare. There have been many special moments we have enjoyed together in the past few years and this is right up there with them. To have received this award and national accolade from the Health Service Journal is simply fabulous.
“Of course, the most important thing about this award is not the trophy, it’s the recognition of our staff – each and every one of them. Time and time again, we have said that our staff are amongst the finest to be found anywhere in the NHS – compassionate, approachable, responsible and excellent. I could not be more pleased or more proud that their dedication and brilliance have been recognised and celebrated.
“As ever, whilst we take a moment to celebrate and accept this award, we are never complacent. This is another day to remember, but we remain relentlessly focussed on our continuing journey to be Outstanding in ALL we do and HOW we do it.”
Trust Chair, David Rogers, said:
“The whole board is thrilled at this award. It is a constant privilege and a pleasure to be able to support the entire staff and leadership at Combined and play our own part in its remarkable journey of improvement, innovation and delivery. Well done to each and every one of you.
“It’s particularly great to be able to fly the flag for our local system and for the services we provide. Mental health, learning disability and autism, addiction services and primary care. And, as one of the smaller trusts in the NHS, we’re delighted with this recognition of the role everyone plays together – in all shapes and sizes. Proof positive that you may not be the biggest, but you can be the best.”