Royal London children's teams up for prestigious award | Our news

Teams caring for children at The Royal London Hospital are up for a prestigious national health award.

The play and paediatric liaison teams have been shortlisted in this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) awards following the success of a 'heroes' project which has boosted the confidence of children and young people with chronic illness.

The project helps them to discuss as a group how the challenges of their illness makes them feel, and share ways to cope. In doing so, they recognise personal strengths and celebrate each other's bravery as true heroes. The session ends with each awarded a certificate of achievement and a shiny cape to cement their 'hero' status.

Clinical teams have found that children and young people report feel less alone, and are more understanding and willing to accept treatment. The project has also reduced feelings of anxiety and depression in parents and carers.

Jennie Robertson, Clinical Psychologist at Barts Health NHS Trust said: "It is fantastic to have been shortlisted for the HSJ award. We’re passionate about this project and about supporting the children, young people, and families we work with. We hope that we can continue to deliver this group and to bridge the gap between physical and psychological health, which are inextricably linked.”

The project is one of a record number of nominations for Barts Health, with six teams shortlisted in the competitive national Health Service Journal (HSJ) awards, and six teams also up for a Nursing Times award.

Winners will be announced by the HSJ on the 21^st November 2018, and by the Nursing Times on the 31^st October 2018.