UHNM wins Alarm Risk Award for Covid delivery service

The pharmacy team at University Hospitals of North Midlands is celebrating after scooping an award for an initiative to distribute critical medicines to vulnerable patients during the pandemic.

University Hospitals of North Midlands joined forces with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and Midlands Partnership Trust to provide the Covid-19 delivery service which won the Frontline Risk Award for its success during the pandemic.

The Covid Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU) service was launched in December 2021 and provided critical medicines for COVID-19 positive patients identified to be at the highest risk of progression to severe disease and / or death.

A multiagency partnership was created with the pharmacy team and aimed at clinical triaging, prescribing and administering or distributing medicines to patients at home within the strict timeframe to achieve the best health outcomes.

To date, more than 400 patients have benefited from the service with many continuing with the home delivery option, highlighting the success of the project.   

The national award recognises the hard work, long hours and collaborative working that has underpinned the past two years of the service’s work in managing risk and building resilience during the pandemic.

Sue Thomson, Clinical Director of Pharmacy at University Hospitals of North Midlands, said: “We are delighted this service has been recognised by a national award. The partnership has meant vital medicines were delivered to our most vulnerable Covid-19 patients within the community. The hard-work and dedication of the team to ensure this service has been a success shows a true testament of their efforts during the pandemic.”