The regional finalists in each category were chosen after a rigorous selection process by a team of assessors who are experts in the field of quality, improvement and innovation. The judges were looking for excellent examples of innovative ways of working within health and social care, where patients and service users were at the heart of the service.
As well as the category specific criteria, judges were looking for the following core
criteria:
• Significant improvement through innovative ways of working
• Positive benefits for patients, service users, carers and staff
• Evidence of research and evaluation
• Potential for sustainability and spread of benefits
• A people-centred approach
• Leadership, team-working and co-operation
• Involvement of patients, service users and the public
• Value for money and ongoing affordability.
Regional winners of each of the national categories will be put forward to a national judging panel, chaired by David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive. This panel will select three National Finalists and a National Winner for each of the award categories.
