Recognition for Digital Innovation in Healthcare
The East Midlands Cancer Alliance Centre for Psychosocial Health (EMCA CPH) has been highly commended in the Improving Mental Health through Digital category. This recognition highlights the innovative work being done to support patients with mental health needs during their cancer journey. In addition, colleagues from Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) have also been acknowledged for the ‘One Version’ dataset project, which focuses on improving discharge performance across Nottinghamshire health and social care. The project was shortlisted in the Connecting Health and Social Care through Digital category.
The HSJ Digital Awards celebrate the power of digital initiatives to transform patient care, improve access to services, and deliver more efficient and equitable healthcare. These awards highlight the importance of technology in modern healthcare systems and the positive impact it can have on both patients and staff.
A Collaborative Approach to Discharge
Becky Sutton, Chief Operating Officer, expressed pride in the efforts of all involved in these projects. She noted that the work carried out by the EMCA CPH team ensures patients receive the mental health support they need during a challenging time. The ‘One Version’ dataset project demonstrates how partnership working can be of huge benefit to patients, helping them leave hospital with the right support as quickly as possible.
The ‘One Version’ dataset partnership project aimed to identify a process for helping patients who are medically fit for discharge to leave hospital sooner, with the necessary support in place. Initially started by Nottinghamshire Healthcare and NUH, the project has since expanded to include other local hospitals managed by Sherwood Forest Hospitals Foundation Trust and Bassetlaw General Hospital.
Transfer of care hubs, involving colleagues from Nottinghamshire Healthcare, hospital trusts, and social care, work together to agree the discharge process for any patient needing support. They use shared data to ensure everyone has access to the most up-to-date information, facilitating discharge as soon as the patient is medically fit to leave.
Supporting Patients with Comprehensive Care
The teams focus on providing whatever support is needed, such as rehabilitation at home, a package of care, a rehabilitation bed, or a nursing home placement. This approach has led to a significant reduction in medically safe patients remaining in hospital beds when they no longer need to be, freeing up space for other patients who require care.
The EMCA CPH was recognised for its work in designing and delivering a remote cancer psychology service with integrated digital innovations. The judges were impressed by the service’s impactful innovation and scalability. Dr James Rathbone, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Co-lead of the service, expressed delight at the recognition, noting that it reflects the successful integration of digital technology into patient care.
Enhancing Access and Support
The service provides high-quality training to cancer care professionals, offers mental health support for those living with and beyond cancer, and leads on research and evaluation to ensure patients continue to receive the best possible support. All interventions are delivered digitally via remote video calls, making them easily accessible. The service also monitors where patients may not have access to digital technology and works collaboratively with locally provided services to ensure continued support.
Many people living with or beyond cancer experience impacts on psychosocial health, quality of life, functioning, and broader health outcomes. Timely, accessible, and personalised psychosocial support can have a significant positive impact on various aspects of life, addressing the long-term needs of those affected by cancer.
Patient Feedback and Future Impact
The judging panel praised EMCA CPH for its innovative use of simple digital technology to improve patients’ outcomes and experience. This national recognition underscores EMCA CPH’s role as a digital leader within the NHS and wider healthcare community, highlighting the importance of innovation, collaboration, and patient-centric design in driving forward digital transformation.
The service routinely collects feedback from its patients, with one user commenting: “I have gained so much from the sessions with [psychologist]. I was really impressed with the waiting times for therapy and felt really listened to in terms of what I needed and what therapeutic approach might be helpful. The whole experience has been great and I can’t quite believe the difference it has made to my overall well-being.”
The HSJ Digital Awards received a record number of entries this year, reflecting the scale and pace of digital innovation taking place across UK health and care settings.
