Minister announces creation of the new HSC engage awards

Examples of good practice in personal and public involvement by Health and Social Care organisations are at the forefront of a new quality awards scheme.

Speaking today at the launch of the 2009 Engage Awards the Minister said: “The creation of this new ‘engage’ award for excellence in personal and public involvement in health and social care demonstrates how health and social care organisations in Northern Ireland are working in partnership with stakeholders.

“It shows quite clearly how patient, client and other stakeholder involvement has impacted on health and social care planning, design and evaluation of new and existing services.

“Health and social care organisations in Northern Ireland have much to be proud of and the creation of the HSC Engage Awards is an excellent opportunity for innovative work to be recognised and rewarded.

“It will provide an opportunity to acknowledge, showcase and share good practice."

The Stakeholder Involvement Programme, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in partnership with the Institute of Healthcare Management, invite entries from all health and social care organisations working to develop services in a way that impacts on the needs of our stakeholders.

Further information and applications forms on the Engage Awards and the HSC Quality Awards can be downloaded by visiting the engage website on www.engage.hscni.net or the Beeches Management Centre website www.bmc.n-i.nhs.uk.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 30 September 2009 at 5pm and all applications must be made on the official application form

Notes to Editors:

• Applications should demonstrate how the project/service has met the judging criteria which are detailed in the “Notes for Guidance”.
• Completed application forms should be returned to:
  
  IHM Executive Assistant
  c/o The Beeches Management Centre
  12 Hampton Manor Drive
  Belfast
  BT17 3EN
• Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted and applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Winners will be announced at the Northern Ireland Regional IHM Conference at the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle on 26 November 2009.
• Press enquiries to DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0505. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.