Devon Partnership NHS Trust waltzes off with major awards

Posted on 18th May, 2009

Devon Partnership NHS Trust, which looks after people with mental health needs throughout the county, has won two major awards for its innovative partnership project with Social Enterprise, Mid Devon Community Recycling. The South West Health and Social Care Awards were presented by political correspondent and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity, John Sergeant and are designed to celebrate innovation and excellence in healthcare throughout the region. The project was the worthy winner in the ‘Low Carbon Award’, which focuses on commitment to achieving reductions in carbon emissions in the operations of Health and Social Care and on combating climate change. The Trust has worked with Mid Devon Community Recycling to provide recycling facilities in all key areas of its sites, including wards, offices, kitchens and staff rooms and this has led to around 40% of its waste being recycled and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions estimated to be in the region of an amazing 1.5 tonnes every month
.
Sir Michael Pitt, Chair of the NHS South West, also chose the project as the overall winner of the Special Regional Award for the most outstanding contribution to Health and Social Care in the South West during 2009. Sir Michael said, “The winner stands out in an exceptionally strong field, showing second to none leadership skills and team work to develop a sustainable service which is good value for money and an outstanding example of best practice”. Describing those involved with the project Sir Michael went on to say, “they have shown their passion and dedication to developing new ways of working”. The project will now go forward to the national awards along with 10 other regional winners from different parts of the country. Alex Lacey, the recently appointed waste manager for Devon Partnership NHSTrust said, “I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of everyone at the Trust and I’m hoping it will encourage other NHS Trusts to follow our lead and to develop much more sustainable waste management policies”. Ken Orchard, Chief Executive of Mid Devon Community Recycling said, “We’re delighted that the innovative work and the forward thinking approach of Devon Partnership NHS Trust has been recognised by this award. We’re also very pleased to be given the chance to team up with them on this really exciting project. The NHS has shown themselves to be committed to carbon reduction and to reducing the impact their waste has on the local environment and we’re looking forward to working with them to achieve those aims”. Alex Lacey and Graham Snow, Hotel Services Manager with John Seargeant, Ken Orchard, Chief Executive, MDCR Mike Rowe, Operations Manager, MDCR Sir Michael Pitt, Chair of the South West Strategic Health Authority.