National award recognition for two UHDB teams improving patient care and workplace safety
Two teams at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) are shortlisted for the prestigious national HSJ Awards for creating a safer workplace for colleagues and supporting children to access faster, safer and appropriate care - improving their experience and health outcomes.
Our Right to Care Safely programme has been shortlisted for the Staff Wellbeing and Culture Award in recognition of the team's work to create a safer working environment at UHDB and taking action against those who intentionally abuse our colleagues.
We have also been shortlisted in the Modernising Diagnostics Award for improving the experience of children and their families at our hospitals by reducing unnecessary imaging through the Modernising Paediatric Chest X-ray Pathways project.
This national recognition reflects UHDB’s commitment to creating safer environments for colleagues and delivering innovative improvements that enhance care for patients.
Stephen Posey, Chief Executive, said: "I am proud to see our teams recognised on a national level for their dedication to improvements, spanning how it feels to work here at UHDB, and with the care we provide to our younger patients.
"These teams have embraced Always Improving principles with safety at the core of their work, using an innovative approach to make a difference for our colleagues and patients.
"Their commitment, creativity and determination have turned ideas into meaningful improvements, and this recognition is a reflection of the impact they are making every day across our hospitals and communities, congratulations."
Supporting colleagues through the Right to Care Safely programme
The Right to Care Safely campaign sets out the Trust's commitment to creating a safer, more supportive working environment for colleagues. It has transformed how violence, aggression and abuse towards staff is prevented, reported and responded to, helping colleagues feel more confident to speak up, access support and know that action will be taken when incidents occur.
Improving services and patient experience for children
UHDB’s Modernising Paediatric Chest X-ray Pathways project has been recognised for improving how diagnostic imaging is used for children with lower respiratory tract infections.
The work was launched after local data showed too many children were receiving X-rays that were not needed, leading to avoidable radiation exposure, longer waits and additional pressure on radiology and emergency care services.
Clinical teams tackled this by introducing changes to support better decision-making, including clearer guidance, visible prompts and targeted education for staff. This helped teams move away from routine imaging and use chest X-rays more selectively, where they would genuinely support a child’s care.
The project has improved care for children and families, reduced pressure on NHS services and shown how frontline-led changes can have a significant impact.
Both projects are an excellent example of the improvements colleagues deliver each and every day to develop more personalised, safer care and create a workplace where colleagues feel safe, supported and heard.
Both projects are an excellent example of the improvements colleagues deliver each and every day to develop more personalised, safer care and create a workplace where colleagues feel safe, supported and heard.
You can see the full shortlist for this year's awards on the HSJ Awards website >. The winners will be announced at the HSJ Awards ceremony later this year on 19 November 2026, join us in wishing our teams good luck.