TWO UCLH teams are shortlisted in the 2023 HSJ awards

UCLH is proud to reveal that two of our fantastic teams have been shortlisted in this year’s HSJ awards.

UCLH RESPOND – an integrated asylum seeker and refugee health service, has been shortlisted for the Innovation and Improvement in Reducing Healthcare Inequalities award.

And, the Paediatric Dentistry Advice Clinic, run jointly between UCLH and Whittington Health, has been shortlisted for the Modernising Diagnostics award.

The awards recognise outstanding contributions to healthcare and it is a huge achievement to be named as finalists.

A ‘record-breaking’ 1456 entries were received for this year’s HSJ Awards, with 223 projects and individuals reaching the final shortlist, making it the biggest programme in the award’s 43-year history.

UCLH RESPOND offers health and wellbeing services for asylum seekers and refugees, to improve access to healthcare for this vulnerable population and address health inequalities. Together with local health and care partners, the team provides a range of services including health assessments and care planning, infection screening and treatment and a specialist clinic for refugee children.

UCLH and the Whittington’s virtual Paediatric Dentistry Advice Clinic (PDAC), is improving the skills of community dentists in assessing and managing children with more complex dental needs, and helping more children to receive their treatment locally rather than in hospital. It is also increasing access to specialist advice for children with complex dental problems.

Commenting on the HSJ shortlist, chief executive David Probert, said:

“I am very proud that UCLH teams have been shortlisted by the HSJ judging panel in two categories for this year’s awards. We find ourselves listed amongst some other fantastic NHS organisations from across the country.

“Both UCLH RESPOND and the Paediatric Dentistry Advice Clinic are two great examples of how we are working with partners to reach out into the community, reduce health inequalities and improve access to healthcare.

“Congratulations to both teams – these nominations are so well deserved.”

Dr Sarah Eisen, paediatric consultant and co-lead of RESPOND, said,

“Asylum-seekers and refugees have complex health and social needs that are not easily met by existing care systems, and also face multiple barriers in accessing care. The RESPOND service was set up to address health inequalities and improve health inclusion for this vulnerable group during a very challenging time in their lives.

“We are so proud to have been shortlisted for the HSJ award and are delighted to be able to share our project and learning with a wider audience.”

Amanda O’Donnell, clinical lead for paediatric dentistry, said,

“The Paediatric Dentistry Advice Clinic is a fantastic example of partnership working across UCLH and the Whittington and in community dentistry. What started as a small project has grown into a shining example of how hospital and community services can work together to upskill community dentists and reduce hospital referrals.

“Congratulations to consultant dentist Lexy Lyne, who has led the project so brilliantly at UCLH. This nomination is a real boost to all of this hardworking team!”

The full list of nominees for the 2023 HSJ awards can be found here.