UHNM shortlisted for national patient experience award

A pioneering programme at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) helping ensure patients' spiritual, pastoral and emotional needs are recognised alongside their physical care has been shortlisted for a national award.
 
The Spiritual, Pastoral and Religious Care (SPaRC) Champion initiative has been shortlisted in the ‘Emerging Good Practice’ category at the 2026 Picker Patient Experience Network (PEN) Awards.
 
More than 20 SPaRC Champions are now working across UHNM acting as a link between clinical teams and the Trust’s Chaplaincy Service.
 
The programme was developed in response to feedback from patients, carers and staff, which highlighted that spiritual care was not routinely included in patients' care plans.
 
Rev’d Chris Wright, Head of Chaplaincy at UHNM, said: “Being shortlisted for a national award is fantastic recognition of the dedication and compassion shown by our SPaRC Champions and everyone supporting the programme.
 
“We know from patients and carers how important spiritual support can be, but not everyone is aware this support is available during their hospital stay.
 
“The Champions have become a bridge between clinical teams and Chaplaincy, helping staff from across UHNM feel more confident having conversations with patients, understanding what matters to them and making sure the right support is available when it is needed.”
 
Champions receive dedicated training and support and have introduced a number of practical improvements including prompts to identify spiritual needs during admission, increased referrals to Chaplaincy and ward-based awareness campaigns.
 
Victoria Winsor, Discharge Facilitator on the Acute Medical Unit at Royal Stoke and a SPaRC Champion, said: “The programme has helped open up conversations about caring for the whole person, not just treating a physical condition.
 
“Sometimes simply asking a patient about their emotional or spiritual wellbeing gives them the chance to talk about something that is really worrying them and helps us make sure they get the right support.
 
“Seeing the positive difference that support can make is the best part of being a Champion.”
 
The winners of the 2026 Picker Patient Experience Network Awards will be announced later this year.