National recognition by the British Medical Association

Posted: 28/09/18

Four self help guides produced by a North East NHS Trust are recognised for the eighth year in a row.

The guides produced by staff and service users at Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW), a provider of mental health and disability services, have been shortlisted at the British Medical Association (BMA) Patient Information Awards.

On Tuesday 25 September, the self help guide ‘Social Anxiety’ was runner up in the Well-being award at BMA House, London. ‘Hearing voices and disturbing beliefs’ was highly commended and shortlisted in the information produced by NHS Trusts award, with ‘Eating Disorders’ being highly commended and ‘Self Harm’ commended.

We are delighted to have been once again acknowledged by the British Medical Association and that the information that we are providing is being recognised as helpful and informative. We are honoured to receive these awards

Karen O'RourkeNTW's Patient Information Centre Manager

The British Medical Association established the Patient Information Awards in 1997 which aims to encourage the production and dissemination of accessible, well designed and clinically balanced patient information.

BMA President, Professor Dinesh Bhugra CBE, said: “The BMA are privileged to be able to host the Patient Information Awards 2018 with this year’s recipients showcasing the very highest standard of innovative, well-designed and carefully balanced patient information.

“This is a great opportunity to recognise the importance and value of the resources available to patients, which as highlighted by the winners and runners up today, can be a great source of support, comfort and practical guidance for patients throughout challenging times.”

These awards aim to reinforce the BMA’s commitment to support good educational practice and acknowledge new approaches and technologies intended for the public audience.

The guides are part of a series of 23 self help guides on a range of subjects which are available in a range of formats including audio, British Sign Language and easy read can be downloaded from the Trust’s website www.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp.