Industry news in brief

The latest Digital Health News industry roundup features HCML making three senior promotions, a refurbished ward at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, and a London cancer centre achieving an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating.

HCML announces three senior promotions as part of leadership team

HCML, the leading provider of rehabilitation case management, treatment and occupational services, has announced three senior promotions as part of its leadership team.

Debbie Downham has been promoted to director of group clinical governance, Kate Barton become head of personal injury service development, and Steve Barker is now head of personal injury operations.

Downham is now responsible for all aspects of clinical governance and clinical risk management across the HCML Group to support the delivery of high-quality, safe care for all who use the organisation’s services.

As a result of significant growth in the Personal Injury department, HCML has appointed two ‘heads of’ to enable the team to continue to grow and diversify its position and offering in the market.

Nick Delaney, CEO at HCML, said: “These promotions have been made to lead and support the excellent team of rehabilitation case managers and support staff we have, enabling us to continue to grow, expand and diversify our position and offering in the market.

“Our people make HCML what it is, and I know that Debbie, Kate and Steve will continue to do a great job in ensuring that our offering is at the very top of the market when it comes to expertise, knowledge, experience and treatment, to give our clients access to the best care and rehabilitation outcomes possible.”

Refurbished ward at NSFT transforms care older people with mental health illnesses

A £1.3m refurbishment of a ward dedicated to caring for older people experiencing mental health illnesses is now complete, transforming the environment for those who need care.

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s Blickling Ward, based at the Julian Hospital in Norwich, has 19 individual rooms. Staff based there care for older people who are experiencing conditions such as acute anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The improvement works included: making the patient sitting room lighter and airier; upgrading fixtures and fittings, including door handles, corridor handrails and bathroom furniture; fitting individual patient rooms with doors which have vision panels to improve privacy and dignity; and upgrading bathroom facilities.

Helen Lawrence, service director for older adults, said: “We are delighted with the improvements. They have transformed the environment for the people we care for and for our staff, improving safety, comfort and aiding recovery.

“Staff and patients were involved in the design and decision-making process, and I am very grateful for their support while the refurbishments were underway.”

The ward offers a spacious garden with a weatherproof seating area where gardening activities are organised to boost wellbeing. Patients can also join regular creative, crafting and social activities, and there are books, games, a television and even a piano to use if they wish.

Aaron Baffoe, clinical team leader for the ward, said: “Feedback from patients and staff about the refurbishment has been overwhelmingly positive. The whole ward feels brighter, more spacious, and more relaxing for the people in our care. And the additional safety measures provide that extra reassurance for families and carers.”

London cancer centre awarded ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating

GenesisCare has announced that its specialist Centre for Radiotherapy at Cromwell Hospital in Kensington, London has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

The centre provides state-of-the-art cancer care and treatment to both NHS and private patients, located within Cromwell Hospital and is independently managed by GenesisCare.  

During this first inspection, the GenesisCare Centre for Radiotherapy at Cromwell Hospital was noted for the high level of emotional support given to patients by GenesisCare staff, with CQC highlighting the ‘exceptional culture in which people’s needs and well-being were at the heart.”

Jane Lynch, centre leader, said: “We’re very proud to receive the ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. We’re fortunate to offer three of the most advanced radiotherapy machines in Europe – the Varian Edge, the Gamma Knife Icon and the MRIdian MR Linac.

“The cutting-edge treatment we provide with this innovative technology is just part of our patient’s treatment. At GenesisCare we don’t just take care of our patient’s clinical needs, but also their physical and emotional wellbeing with Exercise Medicine and wellbeing therapies via our unique partnership with Penny Brohn UK.

“Alongside our partners, Cromwell Hospital, we take pride in providing an end-to-end treatment pathway under one roof and want to make sure all our patients feel supported throughout their cancer treatment journey.”