UHNM Training Programme Shortlisted for National Award

A training programme, designed to improve the experiences of patients with learning disabilities and autism at University Hospitals of North Midlands, has been shortlisted for national award. 

The UHNM Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Programme has been named finalist in the Partnership Award for Co-Produced Training at this year’s National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards.

The award honours NHS-led collaborations that embed lived experience into impactful training to help make services more inclusive and improve practice.  

Sarah Perry, UHNM Practice Educator and Oliver McGowan Lead Trainer, co-founded the Trust training programme on learning disability and autism with support from Lewis Bun, Corporate Safety Champion in July 2024 with a purpose of making improvements that are both inclusive and impactful for both patients and staff across UHNM. Since then, they have been able to provide training to more than 2,600 colleagues.  

Sophie Barber, Lead Educator for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Inclusion at UHNM, nominated the team for their outstanding contribution to improving care for individuals with learning disabilities and Autism. She said: “The team has successfully implemented the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training with exceptional impact. Their work exemplifies the spirit of compassionate and inclusive healthcare which positively impacts the patient pathway, while driving tangible improvements in patient care and staff understanding.

“Their sessions consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with all courses fully booked due to the programme’s growing reputation for excellence. Sarah’s ability to draw on relatable examples from her background working with children and young adults with learning disabilities and autism helps healthcare staff better understand the patient journey and deliver more empathetic care, while Lewis’ efforts have led to meaningful changes in facilities and practices, enhancing the experience of both patients and staff. We are so proud of them, and they are so deserving of this award.” 

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better training. It is a national training programme but delivered bespoke in each NHS Trust.

Sarah said: “When I got the email to say we had been selected as finalist I was speechless. I am extremely proud of the whole team and all the collaborative work that is going on for those with learning disabilities and autism. Ultimately it is about improving people’s experience at UHNM while honouring Oliver McGowan’s legacy and we are so thrilled to be part of creating change.”

Lewis Bunn, who is UHNM’s first Corporate Safety Champion, incorporates feedback from the training into his own work as he visits wards and departments to assess and understand how accessibility and inclusivity can be improved.  

Lewis said: “Using my personal experience, I am able to go around the hospital and I see how we can make positive changes for both patients and staff. I am really proud of this nomination and for the work we have done.” 

The awards will take place in Birmingham on Friday 4 July, at the International Convention Centre.