Initiative supporting children in care shortlisted for national award
HCRG Care Group is celebrating after being named a finalist in the Public Health Nursing category of the Nursing Times Awards 2024.
The organisation, which runs Lancashire Healthy Young People and Families Service on behalf of Lancashire County Council, has been shortlisted for its pioneering work in creating a specialist team of health visitors to support children in care under the age of five.
Every child now has a dedicated health visitor with specialist knowledge of children in care and the potential effects of traumatic early life experiences, promoting better future standards of health.
The team completes the Healthy Child Programme and Review Health Assessments for this cohort of children. Over the past 12 months, 495 assessments have been completed, with an 8.6% improvement in timeliness.
Pat Birchall, Managing Director at HCRG Care Group, said: “We are really pleased to be leading the way for children in care with this work and are proud to receive this recognition from the Nursing Times Awards.
“We have already had interest in the initiative from integrated care boards and children in care teams across the north west region and are happy to share this best practice with other healthcare partners who would like to know more.”
The Public Health Nursing Award celebrates the important role that the nursing profession plays in promoting and protecting the public’s health.
The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at the Nursing Times Awards on Wednesday 23 October.
