Posted on: 15 May 2025
An award-winning team from CNWL’s Windsor Intermediate Care Unit (WICU) in Milton Keynes is set to present their pioneering work on an international stage this week.
Dawn March and Hari Atmakur, representing the WICU Team – part of Home 1st within Community Health Services Milton Keynes will be speaking at the 25th International Conference on Integrated Care in Lisbon, Portugal.
Their presentation, “Rethinking Discharge Destinations for Patients with Cognitive Impairment – A Home 1st Approach,” focuses on a novel model that integrates physiotherapy and psychology to support more patients returning home, rather than being discharged to care homes, after a stay in community hospitals like Seacole. This person-centred approach has led to a dramatic improvement in discharge outcomes, with almost all eligible patients now supported to return to their own homes.
This impactful work was recently recognised with a win at the CNWL Improvement Awards 2025, underscoring its significance and success. Image below from their QI poster showing a group session in progress.
Mel Cahill, Service Manager for Home 1st Unplanned Care, and Susie Gaynard, Service Manager for Home 1st Planned Care, praised the team:
“I am incredibly proud of Hari and Dawn for their dedication to improving patient outcomes through their innovative project, which they are now presenting on an international stage. Their commitment to excellence and patient-centred care personifies the very best of the Trust’s values, and their work has brought about lasting impact for patients and families and meaningful change within the team. Being selected to present at this conference and share their journey and learning is a testament to their hard work and dedication to improving patient care. Congratulations both on this well-deserved recognition.”
The WICU team's success is a powerful example of integrated care in action, delivering long-term benefits for patients, families, and the wider health and care system.