Making sure people are directed to the most appropriate healthcare and helping children stay healthy and well, have resulted in Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) being shortlisted twice in the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards.
KCHFT is a joint finalists with South East Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust and East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, for an integrated care model and single point of access hub, which sees partner organisations work together to steer people away from accident and emergency centres, if this is not the best place for them. During its first six weeks, the hub identified emergency department alternatives for 530 patients.
Also shortlisted was Kent School Health District Manager Helen Sharman, for working with primary school children to produce a booklet to help them with their health and wellbeing, the contents based on what they said is important to them.