The Intermediate Care Team at the Irvine Unit at Bexhill Hospital have scooped a top award for their work to deliver a better service for patients.
The team took top honours in the 'Leadership for Improvement' category at the annual the Best of Health Awards earlier this week.
The Irvine Unit were amongst more than 230 nominations from patients, the public and colleagues across Sussex, Surrey and Kent during a six month search by judges.
They have been recognised for developing a patient-centred care strategy which took the views of all staff and patients into account to help deliver improved care and service.
Alice Webster, Head of Adult Services for Hastings and Rother, said:
"My pride for this work has come through watching the unit and its staff grow and develop and believe in themselves and the care that is delivered.
Lengths of patient stay have been reduced and the feedback we get from patients about their experiences is now much more positive. In addition, staff retention at the hospital has greatly improved, with increased staffing levels enabling the team to deliver care more effectively and efficiently."
The annual Best of Health Awards organised by NHS South East Coast, celebrate the achievements of health and social care teams and individuals across the South East Coast region.
The 16 categories announced last night (16) include three public and staff nominated awards.
Judges look for examples of improvement through innovative working, positive benefits for patients, service users, carers and staff as well as evidence of research and evaluation.
Candy Morris, NHS South East Coast, chief executive said
"The NHS and social care staff deliver fantastic services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Our frontline staff have demanding often challenging jobs. The achievements of all these award-winners are something we can all be proud of and from which we can learn.
Across health and social care in Kent, Surrey and Sussex we are working to give people a greater say in their care, reduce health inequalities and ensure that services are always of the highest quality.
Healthier People, excellent care is our shared ten year regional vision and these awards show how NHS staff are already delivering on these pledges for patients wherever they receive treatment."
The 13 remaining categories from last night’s ceremony make up the regional heat of the national Health and Social Care Awards.
The winners will then go forward to the national ceremony in July.
For more information about Best Of Health 2009 please visit the NHS South East Coast website
