News

We are thrilled to announce that the community health checks initiative in collaboration with the Improvement Academy has been shortlisted for the ‘Improving health outcomes for minority ethnic communities’ at this year’s HSJ Patient Safety Awards which recognises safety, culture and positive experience in patient care, celebrating its worthy finalists on a national scale.

The HSJ Patient Safety Awards acknowledges the hard-working teams and individuals across the UK who are continually striving to deliver improved patient care. Following the thorough judging process this initiative made the final shortlist amid 415 entries logged for the 2024 awards programme.

In partnership with the Bradford Improvement Academy, Bradford Institute for Health Research, and Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we funded the extension of a project that delivers health checks within diverse communities, including local faith settings and community hubs.

Historically these communities have faced barriers to primary care access, putting them at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The health checks project has proved successful in identifying undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes, and CVD among underserved populations, enhancing access to essential healthcare services. So far, the approach has assessed 423 patients, identifying 153 individuals with abnormal blood pressure, of which approximately 43 were previously undiagnosed cases.

Its reach is expanding organically to tackle other critical health areas such as cancer and hepatitis C. Collaborating organisations have forged partnerships with charities like European Drum, engaging Roma populations through targeted communication strategies and tailored materials to raise awareness of CVD within these communities.

Adele Bunch, Head of Portfolio for Health Inequalities, Mental Health and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement at Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, said: “This is such exciting news to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award. It’s testament to all the incredible work of all the organisations involved in delivering this initiative.

If our health and care systems are to reduce health inequalities, we need to explore different models of accessing health and care services and importantly co-produced solutions with the communities experiencing the greatest challenges”.

The Awards are a highlight of the HSJ’s annual 2-day Patient Safety Congress (taking place on 16 and 17 September), where delegates working at the forefront of safety, quality and clinical excellence come together to join in on open and honest discussions about the current reality of safety.

The full list of finalists for the 2024 HSJ Patient Safety Awards can be found at https://awards.patientsafetycongress.co.uk/shortlist-2024.

Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Manchester Central, on September 16.