NHS Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group has recently been shortlisted for two national awards. Having recently won the Healthcare Transformation Award for 'Delivering Clinical Commissioning Leadership' from Health Plus Care, the CCG has been featured, and made it to the final, of three national awards this year alone.

Its collaborative carers prescription, developed in partnership with NHS Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS East Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group, Surrey County Council and Action for Carers Surrey, was shortlisted by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) for its annual awards in the ‘CCG and Local Authority Integrated Commissioning for Carers’ category.

It’s the second time this year the Carers Prescription has been shortlisted by the HSJ, having also been recognised at its value in healthcare award back in April.

Since its introduction, the Surrey Carers Prescription scheme has helped 10,000 carers. The scheme helps health professionals to identify and signpost carers/young carers to receive additional support to help them have a better balance between their caring role and their life away from caring.

Action for Carers Surrey says it’s seen a 28 per cent increase in the number of carers reached and supported, thanks to the prescription.

Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was also commended in the ‘Clinical Commissioning Award’ category at the Health Business Awards, which recognise excellence in healthcare.

The CCG was commended on the developments, including restructuring and aligning its clinical posts with delivering its commissioning intentions.

The nomination also recognised the CCG’s commitment to diversity and gender equality, which sees women strongly represented in senior leadership roles on its Governing Body and Clinical Cabinet.

Dr Claire Fuller, Clinical Chair at Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the HSJ and Health Business awards. We really pride ourselves on being a clinically led organisation, and committed to ensuring local healthcare meets the needs of our patients, and it's an honour to have our work recognised. We're especially delighted to have been shortlisted for our carers work, having won the category at the HSJ awards last year. It’s a great example of how we’re actively collaborating with other organisations to better meet the needs of local people.”

Based on information supplied by Michelle Baillie.