WINNER

Nottingham University Hospitals Trust

The Respiratory Rough Sleepers Virtual Ward

In August 2024, a new specialist respiratory clinic for rough sleepers opened in Nottingham city centre. The service operates from a charity-owned building and provides hospital-standard care through a team comprising two respiratory consultants, a nurse, a manager and a pharmacist.

The clinic represents a collaborative effort between multiple organisations, including primary and secondary care providers, public health bodies and third sector groups. Despite lacking formal funding, the service has already treated more than 70 patients and is showing promising results in reducing hospital admissions. Based on a virtual ward model, there are plans to expand this initiative across the East Midlands region.

Read a detailed case study about this project at HSJ Solutions.

Highly commended

Kent Surrey and Sussex Primary Care Simulation Faculty: Bridging the gap: Enhancing emergency preparedness in General Practices in Kent, Surrey and Sussex through translational simulation to improve patient safety

Finalists

London Ambulance Service Trust: Recognising ineffective breathing during 999 calls

Northern Care Alliance: Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) - Development of service “true admission avoidance” and single point of access

Partnership of East London Cooperatives (PELC): Managing Operational Quality and Safety Risks Initiative

Sheffield Health and Social Care FT: Improving Mental Health Crisis Care: Sheffield’s Innovative Partnership for Patient Safety

University Hospitals Plymouth Trust: Frequent Use Support and Empowerment

West Midlands Ambulance Service: Mental Health Response Vehicles

Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust: The Ambulance Pit Stop

 

Topics

HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2025: Winners revealed