Lancashire and South Cumbria health projects among finalists at HSJ Partnership Awards

Two pieces of work involving Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) were recognised at last night’s HSJ Partnership Awards.

The ICB’s work with Cyted on a successful cancer innovation pilot was given a bronze award for ‘Diagnostics Project of the Year’ at the top health sector awards event, while work with the NHS Transformation Unit (TU), part of the Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit, was one of the shortlisted finalists in the ‘Most Effective Contribution to Integrated Health and Care’ category.

Now in its seventh year, the highly-regarded awards took place in London last night (21 March), paying tribute to teams’ outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration across the UK’s healthcare system.

The ICB’s collaboration with Cyted led to the rollout of the potentially lifesaving ‘sponge on a thread’ test, which can help to detect early signs of cancer in people with Barrett’s - a condition which can put them at a higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer. Capsule sponge requires no sedation and can be delivered in a nurse-led clinic in about 15 minutes. It is also less invasive and generally more comfortable than an endoscopy. 

On winning a bronze award for ‘Diagnostics Project of the Year’ at last night’s awards, the ICB’s cancer director, Fleur Carney, said: “Our partnership with Cyted has enabled us to innovate to improve patients’ experience of care.

“Capsule sponge is a fantastic example of how new technology can eliminate waiting times and speed up diagnosis for our patients.”

Speaking about the collaboration with the TU to develop a Clinical and Care Professional Leadership Framework, Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB’s chief nursing officer, Sarah O’Brien, said: “I am delighted for everyone that has been involved in this really vital piece of work.

“There were a lot of important and impressive projects shortlisted for this award, so it is a huge achievement to even be among the finalists, and it highlights the effectiveness of this collaborative way of working.” 

Dr David Levy, the ICB’s medical director, added: “Being shortlisted in the ‘Most Effective Contribution to Integrated Health and Care’ category at these highly-respected awards is tremendous recognition of our joined-up approach to this piece of work.

“Together with the NHS Transformation Unit we developed a comprehensive multi-professional leadership framework, that has formed a significant part of the decision-making process across the region.

“I am pleased for all the colleagues who worked on this, and I am sure they will be just as proud of this achievement.”

The full list of winners and finalists at the 2024 HSJ Partnership Awards can be found at https://partnership.hsj.co.uk/