London’s Air Ambulance Charity, Barts NHS Health Trust, and the London Ambulance Service Trust (LAS) are delighted to announce that the Physician Response Unit (PRU) has been shortlisted for Urgent and Emergency Care Initiative of the Year at the HSJ Value Awards 2021. This recognises the outstanding dedication they had given to making things better across their organisation during an extremely challenging year for the NHS.

The judging panel comprised a diverse range of highly regarded figures across the NHS and wider healthcare sector. To be shortlisted as a finalist for these awards, despite tough competition from hundreds of brilliant applicants, is a mark of real achievement for the PRU. The PRU has been selected based on their diligence, ambition and the positive impact that the teams have had across the three organisations and for patients.

The PRU is a collaboration between London’s Air Ambulance Charity, Barts Health NHS Trust and LAS. It is staffed by a senior emergency medicine doctor and an ambulance clinician, and carries advanced medication, equipment and treatments usually only found in hospital. The service takes the Emergency Department to the patient, in the form of a rapid response emergency vehicle, responding to 999 calls and treating patients in their homes who would otherwise have often required an ambulance transfer to hospital.

Clinical Lead for the Physician Response Unit and Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust Dr Tony Joy said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for ‘Urgent and Emergency Care Initiative of the Year’ recognising the collaborative efforts and dedication of our teams over the last 12 months to expand the PRU and establish new ways of working to provide care for more patients in their own homes throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for patients. By taking the emergency department to the patient in their home the PRU can ensure they get the right care fast, while also reducing risk for vulnerable patients by helping them avoid a trip to hospital where possible. To be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement.”

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan said: “We would like to congratulate the Physician Response Unit on being shortlisted in the ‘Urgent and Emergency Care Initiative of the Year’ category for the HSJ Value Awards 2021. This year’s finalists have not only contributed to the continued fight against the covid-19 pandemic within the NHS but have also been exceptionally dedicated to enhancing healthcare across the UK.

We are honoured to be recognising and celebrating their outstanding work after what is, no doubt, the most challenging year in the history of the NHS. We are looking forward to welcoming them to the ceremony in June.” 

Chief Executive of London’s Air Ambulance Charity Jonathan Jenkins said: “It’s brilliant to see the Physician Response Unit being recognised for the fantastic service they provide for Londoners by taking the Emergency Department straight to the patient.

To have expanded and adapted the service; stepping up at such a critical time for the blue light community is a remarkable achievement. We are so proud of this innovative team and look forward to watching the PRU continue to go from strength to strength.”

London Ambulance Service Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, Khadir Meer said: “It’s wonderful the Physician Response Unit has been recognised by being nominated for this award. The past year has been an extremely challenging time for the team, but, this is a testament to how hard they have been working to ensure Londoners receive the very best care possible.

The team brings clinical expertise into a person’s home and is one of a number of advances the Service has made to safely reduce the number of patients we take to emergency departments by offering the right care for them closer to home, in their community.”

The winners will be selected following a rigorous, second stage of judging ahead of the HSJ Value Awards 2021 awards ceremony. Held at Manchester Central at the end of June, the evening will provide a great opportunity for influential figures to unite and celebrate the achievements of their industry peers. The awards evening is expected to be attended by leaders and professionals from within the NHS.

The full list of finalists for the 2021 HSJ Value Awards can be found https://value.hsj.co.uk/