NHS team given award for helping patients

Leigh Griffin (GMCSU Managing Director) with the Patient Services team: Ann Riley, Dan Hagen. Front row: Toshi McDwyer, Jan Sutcliffe, Rob McDougall, Gina Magson

A NHS team which resolves patients’ questions, queries, concerns and complaints about local health services has won an award in a brand new internal scheme.

Greater Manchester Commissioning Support Unit (GMCSU) Pride in Excellence award scheme, known as PIE awards, has just been launched for colleagues working for the organisation. And the GMCSU Patient Services Team has been picked to receive the very first award in recognition of their hard work.

The team manages public and patient enquiries, complaints and Freedom of Information requests for Greater Manchester NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups and also for NHS England’s Greater Manchester and Lancashire Area Teams.

The scheme aims to reward colleagues who go over and above the requirements of their job.

Rob McDougall, Patient Services Manager with GMCSU, said: “It is an honour for our team to have been chosen as the first PIE award winner. The team has faced difficult challenges over the last few months, and it is great to be acknowledged by colleagues for our hard work.

“The Patient Services team provides services to both NHS organisations and patients, and it has been a big part of our role to help patients to understand the recent changes in the NHS. It is our job to reassure patients, who have been confused by the changes, and the team has not only listened to patients, but we have also ensured that we find solutions to problems. If we can’t answer the query, we’ll make sure it is directed to the right person.

“This award means a lot to the team, and despite the challenges we have faced, every member of the team has remained determined and committed to doing the right thing for patients. The award will be a further driving force to provide the highest standards of delivery to both patients and the organisations we support.”

Leigh Griffin, GMCSU Managing Director said: “I’m delighted that we’ve just launched this brand new awards scheme, which aims to recognise all the hard work GMCSU colleagues undertake. We’ve been very proud of all colleagues’ dedication during the first months of GMCSU being set up. We want to continue to highlight their achievements through this scheme.

“The Patient Services team really deserves this award. Not only did the team successfully win a bid for some additional work in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, but they have coped excellently well with an increased workload.

“Under Rob’s guidance the team has handled queries and complaints very professionally during a very challenging time. The team works with the single aim of ensuring patients are at the centre of everything they do and the team is doing a fantastic job.”

The winners are invited to attend a presentation and receive a shopping voucher; they are highlighted in internal publications as well as being featured externally on the GMCSU website.