Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board wins NHS Welsh Sustainability Award 2024

A team based at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s Prince Charles Hospital has won The More Equal Wales category at the 2024 NHS Welsh Sustainability Conference and Awards.

The awards aim to promote the principles of sustainable healthcare and support the incorporation of sustainable practices into clinical care. The More Equal Wales Award celebrates projects which enable people to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances. The project team at Prince Charles Hospital was nominated for their Supported Internships project.

In September 2022, the hospital took its first cohort of project search interns, all between the ages of 16 and 24 and all with learning disabilities or special education needs. The interns were offered structured work-based placements and supported with a job coach. The overall aim of the project was to increase confidence in employing people with learning disabilities, and for the interns to become independent in a workplace by building core skills, which would improve their employability and enable them to gain future employment.

One of the interns, Evan Coleman, who has Downs Syndrome, was offered a placement with the pharmacy department at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. Evan’s role with the team expanded as his confidence and independence grew, and he began undertaking daily fire safety checks, and running time critical medications to the ward, saving over 800 minutes of nursing time and ensuring patients get their medicines promptly, which contributes to safe patient care. As a result of the success of this hugely successful placement, the pharmacy team worked closely with the Learning and Development team to develop a permanent role for Evan, and he is now employed as a Pharmacy Support Worker.

Evan said: “I was really pleased and excited when we won the award. I have loved every minute of my time working in Pharmacy and feel like a valuable member of the team.”

Rhian Carta, Head of Pharmacy said: “The pharmacy department has fully embraced the supported internships – showcasing the team’s commitment to our health board values of working together and treating everyone with respect. Our department has gained immensely from the internships with the growth of an inclusive culture - making our workplace a more supportive and diverse environment. We are thrilled that both Mathew and Evan enjoyed their placements so much, that they want to be permanent members of our team. We are looking forward to hosting many more supported internships to champion this fantastic initiative.”

Paul Mears, Chief Executive of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said “I am delighted that the team at Prince Charles Hospital has won this award. A huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Sue Tranka said: “The dedication and innovation shown by all at the Welsh Sustainability awards is truly inspiring. Your commitment to sustainable healthcare practice is commendable and sets a remarkable example for the entire healthcare community. Thank you for your outstanding contributions towards a more sustainable future for healthcare in Wales, and congratulations to the winners.”

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Eluned Morgan said: “Congratulations to all the winners at the Welsh Sustainability awards this year! Your efforts are instrumental in shaping a more sustainable and resilient healthcare system for generations to come, and for the benefit of all in Wales. The breadth and variation of innovative projects honoured at the awards is a clear reflection of the talent we have in our workforce. Well done on this well-deserved recognition and you should all be very proud of yourselves.”

01/07/2024