2017 marks the 36th year of the HSJ awards, widely recognised as the highest accolade in healthcare. Each year service providers are invited to apply across a broad range of categories, and only those who can demonstrate outstanding practices, as well as cutting-edge innovations, make it through to the shortlist.
Communitas Clinics’ nomination, ‘Improving Care with Technology’ recognises the significant achievements of the service in its delivery of an NHS commissioned Teledermatology service in Surrey Downs. The technology systems in place ensure GPs have rapid access to specialist opinion, which has led to a reduction in waiting times and a decrease in inappropriate referrals being made to secondary care.
Dr Nilu Vajpeyi, Medical Director at Communitas Clinics, said, “It’s fantastic to be shortlisted in this category. The Telederm service saves time for both patients and clinicians, but does not compromise in any way on the quality of care; in fact, the rapid access that GPs now have to expert opinion means it also has the knock-on effect of improving knowledge amongst our clinicians.”
Managing Director of the service, Christian Lyons, “Being shortlisted a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. Given the huge challenges currently faced by the NHS, innovations such as these should be celebrated and shared, particularly in practices that not only benefit patients but also ease pressures within the service as a whole.”
The winners will be announced at the HSJ Awards ceremony on 22nd November 2017.