Asthma inhaler project scoops prize at NHS awards ceremony

A revolutionary project which has improved care for asthma patients whilst also reducing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and saving money was among the winners at an NHS awards ceremony.

The medicines team at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board scooped the People’s Choice Award – voted for by over 180 NHS staff, who chose from nine nominees – at the organisation’s celebration event last week.

73 million inhalers are used in the UK each year: taken together, they make up 13% of NHS direct emissions.  The propellant in these inhalers is a powerful greenhouse gas which is 1,300 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.

Working with GP practices across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, the team has encouraged switching to a new type of inhaler which reduces the overuse of traditional reliever (blue) inhalers, reducing carbon emissions whilst also improving the management of asthma in patients.  This has reduced both hospitalisations and mortality.  Figures show that their new guidance has helped to reduce prescriptions for the more harmful type of inhaler by 20%, and also produced a cost saving of well into six figures.  The measures introduced locally have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 40 tons, which is enough carbon dioxide to fill 2,000 hot air balloons, or a reduction equivalent to driving almost six times around the equator in a petrol car.

Fiona Garnett, associate director for medicines optimisation at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Our team is thrilled to have taken home the People’s Choice Award, which means a lot because it reflects the esteem of our colleagues.  The purpose of the project was to improve quality of life for asthma patients and reduce our environmental impact, so to win an award is a bonus.”

Other winners at the event included:

• Matt Hollex, the ICB’s associate director for progamme management, who picked up the Innovation and Quality Improvement Award for his introduction of recording and reporting systems for the organisation, using improvement science to support this work.
• Rehan Tariq, neighbourhood support manager in Luton, who won the Trust Award for his innovative partnerships with practices and community organisations including Luton Town FC, which delivered a range of health checks for local residents which allowed patients to receive treatment for previously undiagnosed conditions.
• Lorraine Kavanagh, neighbourhood support managed in Bedford, who took home the Accountability Award for her mastery in juggling a range of projects and programmes, and taking on additional responsibilities during colleagues’ sickness absence.
• Catherine Jackson, head of workforce transformation, who won the Care and Compassion Award for outstanding leadership and emotional intelligence which has created a supportive, inclusive environment for those in her team.
• Michelle Summers, formerly associate director of communications, who received the Respect Award for her development of the pioneering Denny Review into health inequalities, which produced a series of recommendations to improve services for marginalised groups.
• Samantha Ryan and Henry Armitage, senior people partners, who shared the Integrity Award for their work in managing complex workforce issues including grievances and disciplinary investigations.
• Samantha Golton, Karen Philips and Siân Pither, who shared the Sustainability Award for their work in encouraging all parts of the ICB to look at their work and reduce its environmental impact.
• Dominic Woodward-Lebihan, deputy chief strategy and transformation officer, who won the Chair’s Award for outstanding performance in his role and inspiring leadership.
• Tara Dear, head of system transformation, who picked up the Chief Executive’s Award for exceptional leadership in developing a new team which was created and shaped from different parts of the organisation.

Robin Porter, chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“I was astonished and deeply moved by some of the nominations which outlined a range of attributes.  These really personify the prioritisation of patient care and the working behaviours we want to reward and encourage.  The judging panel had over 160 nominations to work through, so they also deserve thanks and congratulations for doing such a thorough job.”