Staff at a short stay residential unit, based within Doddington Court Extra Care, has won an award for innovation. The intermediate care unit was presented with the annual chairman’s innovation award by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.

They won the award for their input into the development of the unit which brings together a care manager, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, carers and a GP ensuring a patient centred approach, and is currently the only one of its kind in Cambridgeshire.

It also enables a greater opportunity for staff to work together to achieve cross-service training, which in turn helps to retain staff and to develop their career.

The unit provides care to patients, who are unable to stay at home, but who do not need to occupy a hospital bed.

Alison Finlay, intermediate care manager, CCS NHS Trust said: “This award recognises the team’s dedication, energy and enthusiasm in turning an idea into a success. We find that local people regularly arrive at the unit, to have a look around and see how it could it work for their family.

“Even the cleaner Carol is proud to tell me that the service users tell her how much they like it and want to stay.”

The awards celebrate individuals or teams who can demonstrate innovative thinking and ingenuity, however big or small and which has been, or has the potential to be, shared or replicated across the Trust.

Heather Peck, Chairman of CCS NHS Trust said: “We chose this team as this year’s winner because of the difference their innovation has made to patients. I am extremely proud of the commitment that our staff show in providing high quality services to local people, and these awards recognise the staff within the local NHS who make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The short stay residential unit consists of nine self contained ground floor flats within Doddington Court, working in partnership work with local GP practice, Sanctuary Home Care and Cambridgeshire County Council.