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Homepage About our Trust News and media Latest news Wolverhampton ED recognised for going above and beyond

9 September 2024

Wolverhampton ED recognised for going above and beyond

HSJ LogoA Black Country NHS Trust, working to improve patients’ experience within New Cross Hospital’s Emergency Department, has been shortlisted for a national award.

The High Intensity Use Service (HIUS) in Wolverhampton has been shortlisted for ‘Mental Health Innovation of the Year’ at this year’s HSJ Awards, in recognition of the service’s outstanding contribution to healthcare.

The service, led by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, supports patients who attend the Emergency Department (ED) with complex and sometimes multiple health difficulties. It promotes a positive way forward for them, supporting and empowering them to access services and healthcare so they can build healthier and happier lives.

People who have been supported by the multi-disciplinary team are going on to thrive in their communities, from being able to start employment and volunteering, to having more confidence to pursue interests and better relationships.

The service has shown a significant reduction in the number of ED attendances for those supported by HIUS, contributing to reducing pressures on emergency and urgent care.

The impact the service continues to make can be seen in patient feedback. One said: “Before you helped me I was just existing, now I’m living.”

Dr Emma Jenkinson, Consultant in Emergency Medicine & Paediatric Emergency Medicine, said: “This service has completely revolutionised the way that we care for some of the most vulnerable and marginalised patients attending our ED. Their attendances were often labelled as ‘inappropriate’, however; working with the team from Black Country Healthcare has enabled us to appreciate the struggles that some of our patients are trying to navigate.

She added, “By appreciating the wider picture and working closely with our colleagues in social care, mental health, addiction services etc., we have been able to address the underlying issues more effectively and have seen a phenomenal reduction in attendance rates as a by-product of this work.”

Melanie Lamb, Clinical Lead for HIUS at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is wonderful to be shortlisted for this award in recognition of the work we do to support some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our community.

“Collaborative working is at the heart of the service as we work with health and social care colleagues across Wolverhampton to ensure our patients receive joined-up support, both clinical and non-clinical, that meets their needs, to help them on the path to live healthier and happier lives.

“We have a fantastic partnership with The Royal Wolverhampton Trust (RWT), in particular with Dr Emma Jenkinson who is exceptionally committed to supporting the most vulnerable people who attend ED.

“Dr Jenkinson’s and our RWT colleagues’ expertise and support has been invaluable as the service has developed. It is a privilege to work together to help our communities and make a real, positive impact in people’s lives.”

The winners will be announced in November. The full list of nominees for the 2024 HSJ awards can be found at HSJ Awards

ENDS