Two National Awards for Hull LIFT

A team of organisations that has transformed the health and community estate in Hull has scooped two top national awards.

NHS Property Services and Community Health Partnerships won Client of the Year at the Building Better Healthcare Awards for their work in the city.  The award recognised the partnership’s commitment in transforming the estate, with delivery partner Hull Citycare Ltd.

Building Better Healthcare highlighted the range of projects delivered by the partnership since its inception, which have not only improved standards, but achieved real economic benefit for service providers and communities across the city.

More than £100m has been invested in improvements to buildings and as a result more than 70% of Hull’s residents now have access to health and community services in welcoming, fit-for-purpose facilities. On awarding the Client of the Year award judges said:

“The team has clear and realistic objectives that seem to have been realised through successful partnership and community involvement.”

On accepting the award on behalf of the partnership Louise Ramsay, Area Team Director, NHS Property Services Ltd said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to accept this award on behalf of a great team, who have worked collaboratively with the Hull LIFT partnership and have made a major contribution to changing the face of the primary and community care infrastructure across the city.”

“We now look forward to exploring the many opportunities open to us as NHS Property Services and Community Health Partnerships, working with NHS Hull CCG, NHS England and our City Council colleagues and to the next phase of delivery, with our valued partners, Citycare.”

Martin Rooney, Community Health Partnerships Area Director and Citycare Director commented:

“This award is especially pleasing for us, as it reflects the hard work and commitment of the Citycare partners whose collective efforts have, so far, delivered a range of projects across Hull. This has been a truly inclusive endeavor, touching and helping to transform all parts of the health, social care and regeneration agenda in the city.”

As part of the end to end estates services provided by Citycare, they also bagged the Facilities Management Provider of the Year award. The award recognised their effective management of the NHS estate, a service commissioned by NHS Property Services Ltd and Citycare and delivered by Sewell Group.  Louise Ramsay said:

“In Hull, before Citycare and Sewell took over the management of the estate, we had some concerns regarding the previous contactor’s record keeping and a lack of assurance of compliance. I now have the assurances I need that all sites are safe for our staff and patients and have partners that understand and proactively manage the estate to ensure value for money.”

Charles Lewis, Chair of Citycare, pictured here with Sewell Group’s Building Manager Paul Wardell at Bransholme Health Centre said:

“The multitude of partners involved, just as recipients of these two awards, showcases the importance of partnership working and a collective vision.”

“These community hubs dotted around the city need to be well care for by Citycare, and our delivery partner Sewell Group, so service providers can concentrate on delivery and creating a healthier Hull.”

Commenting on the news, Rt Hon Alan Johnson, MP Hull West and Hessle, a huge advocate for the LIFT Programme and a local ambassador, said:

“Having been involved with the Hull LIFT Partnership since its inception, I know how hard all those involved have worked to improve healthcare in Hull. Winning national recognition through these two Building Better Healthcare Awards is a great boost for the LIFT Partnership and for the city itself.”

The great success is set to continue for the partnership, with exciting plans to deliver the UK’s first Community Facility in East Hull, a facility that aims to bridge the gap between acute and primary care.