Bradford NHS Teams Shortlisted for National ‘Healthcare Oscars’

Thursday, 18 September 2025 11:22

The ‘Outstanding Theatre Services’ programme team, from left Dr Fozia Kayat, Mrs Carol Close, Dr Deborah Horner, Ms Elizabeth Melsom and Dr Elizabeth Smithson.

Two Bradford Teaching Hospitals teams have been nominated for prestigious HSJ Awards, recognising their innovation in staff wellbeing and patient care.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating after two of its teams were shortlisted in this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards – widely regarded as the “Oscars of healthcare.”

The Trust’s ‘Outstanding Theatres Service’ (OTS) programme is up for the Staff Wellbeing Award, while its Rheumatology team, in partnership with tech firm DrDoctor, is a finalist for Partnership of the Year for its innovative nurse advice line.

The OTS programme, which ran from October 2021 to January 2024, was launched in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to improve staff wellbeing, streamline theatre services and enhance patient experience. Initiatives included wellbeing days, simulation training, career roadmaps and facility upgrades at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Dr Fozia Hayat, Consultant Anaesthetist and Theatres Clinical Lead, said:
“I’m delighted our work to support staff wellbeing has been recognised. None of this would have been possible without the engagement of theatre staff, surgeons and doctors, working together to improve culture, teamwork and efficiency.”

Her colleague, Dr Deborah Horner, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, added:
“The Covid pandemic had a huge impact on theatre teams’ morale. The ethos of the programme has always been to support staff to drive improvements for patients, and we’ve seen positive results in theatre start times, list efficiency and staff wellbeing.”

Meanwhile, the Rheumatology team’s nurse advice line, developed with DrDoctor, is transforming access for patients needing timely information and guidance. The service empowers patients to manage their conditions more effectively and reduces waiting times by streamlining points of contact.

Rheumatology Consultant Dr Kavitha Nadesalingam said:
“We are delighted to have been shortlisted. Patient feedback has been positive, and we continue to develop the advice line to further improve the care we deliver.”

Bradford’s achievements are part of wider regional recognition at the HSJ Awards. Local colleagues have also been shortlisted in categories including Digitising Primary Care, Transforming Care for Older People, Workforce Initiative of the Year, and Community Care Innovation, with strong representation from Leeds-based health partnerships.

Winners of the HSJ Awards will be announced later this year.

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