CLCH teams shortlisted for HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2025 for tackling health inequalities

We’re proud to announce that two CLCH teams have been shortlisted at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2025, which celebrate NHS teams across the country who are working to make care safer and improve health outcomes for patients.

Tackling skin tone bias in wound care

Addressing Skin Tone Bias in Wound Care in Community Practice has been shortlisted in two categories:

• Improving Health Outcomes for Minority Ethnic Communities
• Patient Safety Education and Training Award

This recognition highlights the fantastic work of the tissue viability nurses and community nursing teams across Inner North West (INW), who have been leading efforts to reduce health inequalities. The project focuses on making wound care more inclusive by raising awareness of how skin tone can affect how wounds are assessed and treated.

The team behind this important work includes Karyn Lechowick from the INW Transformation Team, Mikko Enoc from the Tissue Viability Team, Jerome Caducoy, Practice Development Nurse, as well as our dedicated wound care champions.

“This project is an excellent example of how the division is advancing the health equity agenda while also increasing our staff’s skills and confidence in wound care and skin tone recognition. The successful implementation was supported by empowering teams with ownership of the change. It also serves as a strong example of collaborative working, involving patients, the patient engagement team, and clinical systems to integrate the templates into SystmOne (S1).” Annabel Burkimsher, Divisional Director for Nursing and Therapies

"As Head of Service for the Westminster Team, I am proud of the hard work that has gone in to this impactful project and the implementation across the services.  Its wonderful to see their work being recognised by the HSJ in shortlisting the project." Jo Davis, Head of Clinical Service, Central London Planned Care

Supporting people with learning disabilities in Brent

We’re also pleased to share that the Brent Health Matters clinical team, part of our Outer North West (ONW) Division, has been shortlisted for the “Learning Disabilities Initiative of the Year” award which recognises outstanding projects that have improved healthcare and safety for individuals with learning disabilities.

This specialist health inequalities team works in close partnership with local NHS organisations, the local authority and voluntary services to tackle the stark health inequalities in the London Borough of Brent. Nilam and Gopal, pharmacists in the team, play a key role in this co-productive approach, helping improve access to care and support for people with learning disabilities.

“I am extremely proud of the work that the BHM team are doing. Nilam and Gopal are the health inequalities pharmacists in the team and they have been working extremely hard with learning disability patients. They have been shortlisted for the “Learning disabilities initiative of the year” category, and I wish them all the best, for an award they truly deserve.” Reshma Patel Head of Clinical Services, Specialist Services.

“I’m incredibly proud of the Brent Health Matters clinical team for this well-deserved recognition. Their collaborative and inclusive approach is making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities in Brent, and this shortlisting is a testament to their dedication and impact.” Jackie Allain, Director, Outer North West Division.

Both teams will present their work to the judges on 16 and 17 July, with winners to be announced at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards ceremony on 15 September 2025.

We’re incredibly proud of both teams for leading innovative, inclusive work that’s making a real difference in our communities.