Innovative Health and Wellbeing Academy recognised for its work to help reduce NHS waiting lists

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Swansea University’s Health and Wellbeing Academy (HWA) has beaten off tough competition to win the Social and Community Impact Guardian University Award.

The Academy received the award for its work helping to reduce NHS waiting lists by empowering people to take control of their own health and relieving pressure on overstretched services.

The project has made a real difference to patients waiting for treatment in areas such as cardiology and musculoskeletal services.

The Academy – part of the College of Human and Health Sciences - is the only service of its kind in Wales, with many of the services offered not being available on the NHS, or elsewhere in the region.

Health and Wellbeing Academy Guardian Award  

Photo (L-R): Lauren Lavern (presenter), Julia Pridmore (Director of Health and Wellbeing Academy), Craig Toutt (Academic and Clinical Operations Director for the Academy) and Emma Oliver (Administrative Support Officer at the Academy).

 

 

The innovative project was initiated in 2015 and has since grown in partnership with both Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU) and Hywel Dda University Health Board HDUHB, going on to treat 2,659 new patients – including 70 patients within the community who would otherwise be on NHS waiting lists.

Julia Pridmore, Director of the Health and Wellbeing Academy, said: “It was fantastic to win in the category which received the most applications and as the only Welsh University shortlisted. This gives us a great platform from which to innovate and expand the Health and Wellbeing Academy and is testament to the hard work that all of the contributors have put in. We couldn’t have done this without them.”

Ceri Phillips, Head of the College of Human and Health Science said:

“The College is absolutely delighted to have received this highly prestigious award. It is testimony to the dedication and commitment of many colleagues, whose expertise and enthusiasm has enabled the Academy to exceed all of its expectations.

"The award will act as an incentive to deliver even more innovative approaches to enhance the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our students, staff and the wider community, as we work collaboratively with colleagues from our partner health boards and other agencies.”