Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust triumphs at prestigious national awards

Staff from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust travelled from the North East to London for the award ceremony on Thursday 6 November.

They took the top prize in the Psychiatric Team of the Year: Older-age Adults Award category.

The mental health services for older people (MHSOP) clinical network group won the prestigious award for developing a new clinical model.

The model was recognised for being co-created. Staff, patients and carers worked together to make sure their needs shaped the outcome.

The dementia care pathway now follows a flexible, person-centred approach. It's aligned with the Dementia 100 self-assessment tool. The delirium pathway was also simplified into a one-page guide to support early recognition and faster intervention.

Dr Mani Santhana Krishnan (Krish), consultant in old age psychiatry/liaison psychiatry and specialty clinical director for mental health services for older people (MHSOP), who is part of the group said: “It feels amazing to have national recognition, it’s a great win for us!”

Dr Krish was also honoured with the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ President’s Medal.

In its fifteenth year, the President’s Medal honours people who contribute to policy, public knowledge, education and meeting population and patient care needs in diverse and challenging circumstances.

Dr Krish was one of nine people presented with a medal for his significant contributions to improve the lives of people with mental illness.

Other recognised individuals included:

• Dr Baxi Sinha, consultant psychiatrist for the Stockton adult community mental health team and deputy medical director for international recruitment. He was shortlisted for the Psychiatric International Medical Graduates (IMG) Champion of the Year award.
• Dr Ranjeet Shah, Durham, Tees Valley and forensic care group medical director. He was also shortlisted for Psychiatrist of the Year award.