This year, three innovative Bevan Exemplar projects were awarded prestigious MediWales Innovation Awards. Bevan Exemplars are health and care staff from across Wales who are supported by the Bevan Commission to develop and test their own innovative ideas over a 12-month period. This unique programme has supported over 350 projects so far to develop health and social care innovations that deliver substantial benefits for patients. Through enabling the health and care workforce to use their expertise to develop and scale prudent innovations, the Bevan Exemplar project is committed to making sure that good ideas are not wasted, and ensuring that Wales’ health and care system that is fit for the future.
The Social Care Innovation through Collaboration Award
Led by Sheiladen Aquino at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
This project trialed a new collaborative model of providing care using a remote telehealth digital solution. It explored a new integrated way of working between three specialist allied health services: Speech & Language Therapy, Dietetics and Nutrition, and Pharmacy.
You can watch Sheiladen Aquino reflect on her experience as a Bevan Exemplar here: https://youtu.be/nSFyI–6gG4
Health and Social Care Judges Award
Led by Kelly White, Rachel James and Zoe Kennerley at Hywel Dda University Health Board
This project is community pharmacy-based Urinary Tract Infections testing & treatment service which supports medical practices, NHS 111, GP Out of Hours and potentially MIU units with presentations of patients that have uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections, by offering a means of referral to participating pharmacies.
You can watch Kelly White reflect on her experience as a Bevan Exemplar here: https://youtu.be/QdPsF0qxpxo
Partnership with the NHS Award
Dr Karen Sankey and Jane Bellis at Community Wellness CIC / Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
The Community Wellness Model is an innovative, integrated Health and Social Care approach focused on supporting the most vulnerable members of our society. The Community Wellness Company led by GP, Karen Sankey and Outside Lives led by Social Worker, Lucy Powell have formally partnered to develop and deliver the model.
You can watch Karen Sankey reflect on her experience as a Bevan Exemplar here: https://youtu.be/kG_fQF2WJNA
You can watch a testimonial from project beneficiary John here: https://youtu.be/-vVD8eSTDQM
Dr Karen Sankey, Founder of The Community Wellness Company CIC, said:
“The team and I are absolutely delighted to win this award. Our work is delivered in partnership with our wonderful communities and key partners, Wilderness Tribe, Phoenix Counselling Group, Caritas Surgery in Cefn Mawr, and Rivertown Church, in Shotton. Given that our model involves championing alternatives to the current medical approach to health, wellbeing and healing, it is particularly pleasing that we are being recognised by our peers as innovators in our field. For us, this is validation of our work. We recognise that emotional distress and pain are normal human responses to stressful and traumatic experiences and environments. We have huge ambitions for 2024, especially around mental health support, but, as always in the third sector, this depends on funding. The impact of our programme has exceeded all expectations and has enormous benefits, not only for those supported by the project, but also by reducing demands on the NHS.”
