Two key Trust projects recognised in awards this week

Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estates Managers Awards

This week, the Way Forward Programme team, and our contractors and partners, were recognised nationally for their planning and construction of the Urgent Treatment Centre, which won ‘Project of the Year’ at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estates Managers Awards.

The teams were up against some tough competition, but were announced winners after the judges recognised the hard work and effort that went into developing the modern, welcoming and supportive environment for patients needing urgent and emergency care.

Julian Auckland-Lewis, Director of the Way Forward Programme, said: “We were thrilled to represent the Way Forward Programme and Urgent Treatment Centre teams at the IHEEM Construction and Estates awards earlier this week.

“The UTC winning top spot is testament to the hard work that went into the planning and construction of the building, as well as the commitment from the UTC team to provide quality care once it opened.

“The new UTC was the first step in our ambitious plans to improve all urgent and emergency care services, so I’m really pleased to see it recognised nationally.”

Britain in Bloom Awards

Also this week, the Trust’s Wellbeing Garden, on the hospital site, was recognised as part of a joint regional nomination for South Swindon in Bloom, which won the ‘Tesco Cup’ at the Britain in Bloom Awards.

The award highlighted the work that Brighter Futures, supported by hundreds of generous donations from local people, did in creating a welcoming and sustainable green space in Swindon.

Our Wellbeing Garden is a place for staff, patients and families to enjoy nature, reflect and share memories.

Cat Weaver, Associate Director of Charitable Funds and Voluntary Services, said: “This is such wonderful news and we’d like you to say a huge thank you to South Swindon Parish Council for inviting us to join their bid, to our amazing supporters for fundraising for the garden, to John O’Connor for helping us realise our vision and to the absolutely amazing Mark, our volunteer gardener who works rain or shine to care for the garden.

“Green spaces are so important, but never more so than on a hospital site as it gives patients, families and staff opportunity to step away from the hospital environment to be outside, with nature and in a more quiet space.”

Well done to all the teams who have supported these two fantastic projects.