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WHH has been shortlisted as a finalist for the HSJ Value Awards 2021

hsj-value-awards-2021_category-banners_600x335_finalists_6_51000251271_o.pngWarrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals (WHH) is delighted to announce that the Warrington ‘Black Box’ has been shortlisted for Pilot Project of the Year at the HSJ Value Awards 2021. This recognises the outstanding dedication of a mixed team of clinicians from WHH in striving to improve outcomes for patients during an extremely challenging year for the NHS.

The judging panel comprised a diverse range of highly regarded figures across the NHS and wider healthcare sector. To be shortlisted as a finalist for these awards, despite tough competition from hundreds of brilliant applicants, is a mark of real achievement for WHH. The submission titled ‘The Little Black Box that made the Biggest Difference’ was selected for the dedication, ambition and the positive impact that the innovation has had for some patients with COVID-19. The innovation 

The ‘Black Box’ is a simple medical device that was transformed into a potential life-saving therapy for some of the most seriously ill patients with COVID-19 in the spring of 2020.

Aware of the expected national shortage of ventilators, a mixed team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals working across Intensive Care, high care Respiratory ward and the Cardiorespiratory team modified simple CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices to provide acute life-saving therapy for COVID-19 patients. CPAP is a well-established therapy for conditions causing significant breathing problems and low oxygen and is also used widely in the community to treat patients with chronic sleep apnoea.

The simple modification of the CPAP device brought almost instant relief to some patients admitted with extreme breathing difficulties as a result of COVID-19 infection, as patients seem to tolerate this simple device well.

Dr Alex Crowe, Medical Director for WHH said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the HSJ Value Pilot Project of the Year, recognising the collaborative efforts and dedication of our teams in successfully developing the ‘black box’ in the early stages of the pandemic. 

“We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for patients and the wider organisation even throughout challenging times and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement.  This nomination has been a tremendous boost to both the team involved and the wider Trust. I am sure it will bolster our continued efforts to improve” 

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan comments: “We would like to congratulate Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on being shortlisted in the Pilot Project of the Year category for the HSJ Value Awards 2021. This year’s finalists have not only contributed to the continued fight against the covid-19 pandemic within the NHS but have also been exceptionally dedicated to enhancing healthcare across the UK. We are honoured to be recognising and celebrating their outstanding work after what is, no doubt, the most challenging year in the history of the NHS. We are looking forward to welcoming them to the ceremony in June." 

The shortlisting of the ‘Black Box’ is the second major acknowledgement in a national award. Last year it was named winner of the ‘Innovating in Adversity’ category in the London Business School (LBS) Innovation Awards.

The winners will be selected following a rigorous, second stage of judging ahead of the HSJ Value Awards 2021 awards ceremony. Held at Manchester Central at the end of June, the evening will provide a great opportunity for influential figures to unite and celebrate the achievements of their industry peers. The awards evening is expected to be attended by leaders and professionals from within the NHS. 
The full list of finalists for the 2021 HSJ Value Awards can be found at Finalists 2021 | HSJ Value Awards 2021. 

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