​Acute Sector Innovation of the Year

HSJ Awards 2024 - Acute Sector of the Year
​Acute Sector Innovation of the Year
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How to apply

Entries have now closed

In recent years of crises, acute trusts were forced to think and work differently – accelerating innovation and the application of technology to deliver patient care within operational and workforce constraints. This does not simply mean coming up with new ideas. It increasingly means reliably identifying and spreading best practice, perhaps combining elements of tech with working practices to solve particularly challenging problems. 

This award will recognise NHS acute sector organisations doing just that. Our judges will be looking for innovations which are improving patient care, leading to improved experience and outcomes. They will be keen to identify NHS acute organisations where innovation is truly nurtured – where good ideas are quickly identified and spread within and beyond the boundaries of the organisation. 

We are not seeking reinventions of the wheel: we want to hear from teams who are doing something genuinely new, while building on the good practice already out there. Innovations which have been genuinely co-produced with patients will be of particular interest. 

Eligibility

The award is open to all NHS acute or specialist organisations.

Ambition

  • Provide a clear rationale for the innovation include a context in which this was required
  • What was the vision and how was this new or different from existing best practice?
  • How were solutions researched and tested? Provide supporting evidence that supports comprehensive engagement with patients in the planning.
  • What measures well put in place to test efficacy?

Outcome

  • How has the innovation led to improved patient care, improved experience, improved outcomes and/or improved value for money? This must have a quantitative aspect but can include qualitative feedback as well.
  • Provide testimonial evidence of the effectiveness, where possible from patients.

Spread

  • How has the best practice learning been shared outside the acute provider?
  • What evidence is there that this innovation has potential for positive outcomes elsewhere?
  • Provide supporting material to support any achievements.

Value

  • How has the patient experience improved?
  • What has been the impact on staff?
  • Give detail on the efficiency, capacity and how this has contributed to value for money and outcomes

Involvement

  • Provide an explanation of how an innovation culture has been nurtured within the team or organisation to enable these results.
  • Provide detailed evidence of patient involvement in the innovation.
  • How have the teams involved worked with partners to deliver results?

To find out more

Partnership opportunities:  Sponsorship Sales Team
Awards entry enquiries: Delegate Sales Team
Judging and event management: Awards Support