TO CELEBRATE the launch of the second annual Solihull Together for better lives awards, we will be taking a look at some of the winners of last year’s inaugural event.
This week we are looking at the winner of the Care Professional of the Year Award which was won by Mandy Hannigan – the Promoting Independence Coordinator at the Supported Integrated Discharge Service (SID).
Providing different ways of rehabilitation and support in patients’ homes after frail older people have been discharged from Solihull Hospital, is the role of SID – a partnership between Solihull Council Adult Social Care and Heart of England Foundation Trust.
The aim of the team is to reduce the length of time people stay in hospital, and to help them return home as soon as they’re able.
By providing this service within the home environment, it’s estimated that the length of time a person stays in hospital can be shortened by up to two weeks.
One of three social care assessors working within the SID team is last year’s winner Mandy.
Mandy and others work in partnership with therapists at Solihull Hospital and social care support workers.
Her dedication, commitment and above and beyond attitude to her job included working on a voluntary basis at weekends in order to provide a seven day service for elderly people leaving hospital.
Mandy said: “Hospitals run seven days a week and I thought we needed to too.
“In line with my manager and Solihull Hospital, I was able to volunteer and pilot a weekend service.
“Thanks to all involved it was a success, and we were able to help more elderly people in the borough.”
Mandy added that she always has great job satisfaction – knowing the team can help people and enabling people to live happier, healthier lives.
She added: “I’m passionate about my work, I’m dedicated to what I do and to the people I serve.
“I think it’s that ‘can do’ attitude that’s helped me to keep striving to make sure elderly and frail people across the borough get an excellent service.”
“I’m proud of winning the Care Professional of the Year award and of what we’ve achieved as a service.
“But I simply couldn’t do it without the support of others and would especially like to thank my manager, Julie Blake, for her guidance and enthusiastic leadership which has enabled me to broaden my skills and develop the service.”
As well as those who work for SID being recognised for their services, SID also won a national Health Service Journal award in November 2014, in the category of Secondary Care Redesign. Mandy’s commitment to the seven day pilot has put SID on the map and set the precedent for being a pioneering initiative.
The awards:
1) The Solihull Together award for Outstanding Neighbour – Sponsored by the Solihull Observer
An award for an individual or group who have made a difference to the life of an adult (or group of adults) in Solihull. For the purposes of this award, a ‘neighbour’ does not have to live in the immediate vicinity of the person they’ve helped; it could be someone who lives further away but has assisted, in an unpaid or voluntary capacity, a Solihull resident.
2) The Solihull Together Care Professional of the Year*
An award for social care professionals who work in a paid capacity with adults in Solihull, or with a Solihull-based organisation, particularly those who work to improve the lives of people who are vulnerable or frail.
3) The Solihull Together Health Professional of the Year*
An award for a health care worker (e.g. qualified nurse, doctor etc.), who works with Solihull residents or a Solihull-based organisation, particularly those who work to improve the lives of people who are vulnerable or frail.
4) The Solihull Together Care Team of the Year
An award for any group (a ‘team’ means two or more people) that has made a substantial contribution to caring for people in Solihull, particularly those who are vulnerable or frail. This award is open to professional and voluntary groups and includes teams who provide care at home, in a care home or other setting.
5) The Solihull Together Primary Care Service of the Year
This award is open to providers of primary care including dentists, opticians, pharmacies, GP surgeries and walk-in centres. It recognises innovation in services for adults.
6) The Solihull Together award for Dementia-friendly service
An award for any commercial, public sector or voluntary organisation that has introduced service improvements or innovations to help people live well with Dementia.
7) The Solihull Together award for collaborative working
This award is open to any partnership or project which involves two or more organisations, groups or societies working together to support adults in Solihull, particularly those who are vulnerable or frail. It is open to all types of organisation including private, public sector and voluntary groups such as clubs, associations and neighbourhood forums.
8) The Solihull Together award for an outstanding project delivered in the community
An award for an innovative project delivered in a community setting, which supports adults, particularly those who are vulnerable or frail. This is open to all types of organisation including voluntary groups and private or public sector organisations. It is also open to individuals.
9) The Solihull Together award for outstanding customer experience
An award open to businesses or voluntary organisations that provide a great customer experience for vulnerable or frail adults in Solihull.
10) The Solihull Together ‘Beyond the call of duty’ award NEW
An award recognising the work of the Emergency Services and other crisis response teams which support adults living in Solihull. The nomination can come from the organisation itself or from the individual, or their family, who has received support.
11) The Solihull Together Chairman’s Award
A discretionary award given by the Chair of the judging panel to any nominee who has demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of Solihull citizens, particularly those adults who are vulnerable or frail. (No nominations required for this award)
Visit: www.solihulltogether.co.uk to cast your vote.
