Berkshire NHS trust shortlisted for Parkinson's UK award
A project working with Parkinson's patients in West Berkshire – run by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust – has been shortlisted for an 'Innovation in Practice' honour in the Excellence Network Awards.
The scheme is organised by the Excellence Network, affiliated with leading charity Parkinson's UK.
The award the trust is being considered for recognises the use of technological or practical innovations in caring for people with Parkinson's disease.
Qualifiers are nominated by either a peer or a person living with Parkinson's, and a panel of judges has been convened encompassing both professionals and patients.
These include Parkinson's UK president Jane Asher and former headteacher Terence Manning.
A virtual ceremony is set to be held on Thursday, October 28.
Mr Manning said: "As someone living with Parkinson's, I am proud and excited to know the innovative service improvements reflected in the shortlisted entries are being made for people like me across the UK.
"These awards are so important because they let our clinicians and service providers know how much we truly appreciate them.
"They also show that our community are active participants, co-creating and sharing how services for them can be improved."
Mrs Asher said: "I love these awards. They give us a chance to celebrate great care for people affected by Parkinson’s. Care that makes a difference not only in the consulting room, but to peoples’ everyday lives in the community."
The Excellence Network has praised the Berkshire trust – which delivers general healthcare throughout the region – for its dedicated approach to the treatment of Parkinson's.
In particular, its 'Advanced Care' pathway, which involved the consultation of patients with complex Parkinson's, has been singled out as outstanding.
Excellence Network associate director Dr Rowan Wathes said of the trust's shortlisting: "This year the quality of entries was exceptional.
"I want to congratulate the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust on its well-deserved success in being shortlisted, and being among the movers and shakers at the forefront of exceptional Parkinson’s care.
"We were bowled over by the range of applications and the quality of services showcased. It is an honour and a privilege to shine a light on these exceptional healthcare professionals.
"You are a beacon of good practice inspiring service improvement. I urge healthcare professionals in our sector to attend the Excellence Network Conference on November 4 to hear from the award winners and learn from a multidisciplinary programme showcasing best practice in Parkinson’s care."
Of the 30 organisations nominated for the awards, the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is one of just six finalists, drawn from across the UK.
A consultant in elderly care medicine at the trust, Dr Apurba Chatterjee, said: "As a team, we are delighted that our project has been shortlisted for Parkinson's UK Excellence Network Award this year.
"We have worked hard to develop the Advance Care pathway for patients who are in the complex stage of the disease to offer holistic care for the patients and respect their choices and wishes.
"Our project has led to change in practice and we are proud that this has been recognised."
