11 June 2025

Three initiatives at CNWL have been shortlisted across four categories in this year’s HSJ Patient Safety Awards.

The national awards, run by the Health Service Journal (HSJ), recognise NHS teams and individuals who are going the extra mile to improve patient safety and care quality.

Home 1st 

CNWL’s Home 1st Service, a partnership with Milton Keynes City Council that supports patients to stay independent at home, is in the running for two awards this year:

  • Improving care for older people initiative of the year
  • Quality improvement initiative of the year

Their project helps patients with cognitive impairments return home safely after intermediate care, improving how discharge is managed.

Health and Justice

Meanwhile, in the Nursing-Led Patient Safety Initiative of the Year category, Health and Justice has been recognised for their work developing a clinical leadership career pathway for nurses.

Patrick Gillespie, Service Director Health and Justice, said:

“This recognition is a true testament to our nursing leadership team. This initiative has made a significant and measurable difference in the recruitment, retention, and development of clinical skills within our directorate. We've already seen a decrease in our vacancy rate and a notable increase in our nurses' clinical skills and knowledge, directly translating to improved quality and safety of care for our patients.”

Jane Lewry, Lead Nurse Health and Justice, said:

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted. Supporting and valuing our nursing staff in Health and Justice is at the heart of our career pathway; to develop their clinical and leadership skills to provide faster access to treatment, reduce health inequalities, improved patient safety, and quality of services”.

One Community

Finally, the One Community network is up for the Mental Health Safety Improvement Award.

Based at St Charles Mental Health Centre and supported by the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation, CNWL and the CNWL NHS Health Charity, One Community is a grassroots, service-user led initiative that promotes and maintains mental health recovery.

One Community has grown into a thriving social network, offering creative activities like art, music, poetry, crochet, gardening, and trips to green spaces. These activities take place at St Charles, Bay20 community centre, and in the local area. There are also regular Domestic Abuse Prevention Ambassador forums, offering safe spaces for discussion and awareness.

One Community also engages with volunteering and peer support, including involvement at the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Centre (MHCAS).