One of the most vital aspects of care for our population is for those with mental health needs, which in many instances have become more acute throughout the covid-19 pandemic. When caring for someone experiencing mental ill health, there can be additional challenges in delivering safe care, for example protecting vulnerable patients from sexual harm, managing a patient’s risk of self-harm, or ensuring a safe environment for staff and patients with minimal use of restrictive practices.
In line with the focus of the NHS Long Term Plan, a focus on patient safety and experience is driving changes in pathways, structures and the way services user interact with their treatment. This award will highlight initiatives which have delivered compassionate, efficient and most importantly safe services.
Eligibility
Judges are seeking projects that have demonstrably increased the safety and reliability of care for those with mental ill health, whether generally or for a specific condition or need. NHS providers of mental health services, both in primary and secondary care, and their partner organisations in the public sector are welcome to enter.