On Friday 11 July the work of Forward Leeds was recognised as part of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHT) Time to Shine 2018 awards.
Time to Shine is an annual event that the Trust holds to recognise and celebrate outstanding work.
The Award for Collaborative Working was given to the LTHT Hepatology Department and partners, which includes Forward Leeds, for their work in combatting hepatitis C across the city.
Forward Leeds now screens and can offer treatment for hepatitis C at all of its hubs in Leeds in partnership with the LTHT Hepatology Department.
Catherine Wigglesworth, Team Leader and Clinical Nurse Specialist for Viral Hepatitis said: “Our nomination was about celebrating the collaborative working of the hepatitis C treatment service, based at St. James’s, with Forward Leeds, shared care GPs and prisons to improve access to and engagement of treatment in a non hospital setting.”
Hannah Wraith and Gemma Patterson at the awards
The provision of this hepatitis C service has been redesigned by the LTHT Hepatology Department in consultation with partners including Forward Leeds.
Catherine continued: “Success can only be possible when all parties involved, work closely together. Having been nominated, the team at St.James’s hospital wanted to share the awards night with our colleagues from the community. Without them, the service could not develop.”
Recovery Coordinator Hannah Wraith, who represented Forward Leeds at the awards ceremony said: “The Shine Awards gave a real insight into the commitment and care that NHS staff show and it was a privilege to be there to share this with the Hepatology team.”
Hannah continued: “The benefits of our work with the Hepatology Department can be felt all around Forward Leeds. What was once a fearful conversation to have with clients, is now, although somewhat scary, more positive, hopeful and allows clients to believe in their successful chances of treatment”.