SOUTH Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) has been shortlisted for NHS Trust of the Year.

It comes as part of the HSJ Awards 2021 in recognition of the contribution made by the organisation and its staff to regional, national and global healthcare.

The award recognises trusts which are offering excellent patient-centred care built on strong engagement between clinicians within and outside of an organisation and takes into account the effects of one of the most challenges years since the NHS was formed.

Will Hancock, Chief Executive of SCAS, said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for these distinguished national awards, particularly as the Trust of Year encompasses all of the work we have been doing and our partnerships – including with the military and neighbouring trusts – are so valuable to us and our patients.

“This recognition really does reflect the collaborative efforts and dedication of colleagues across SCAS and within our partner organisations and it is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved to make the shortlist

“I want to say a personal thank you to all of our staff and volunteers for helping us get there – each and every one of them should be immensely proud of the role they have played in achieving this recognition.”

Among the areas of focus for the judging panel were initiatives which deliver performance against targets, clinical quality and safety, as well as how trusts have managed their way through the pandemic along with financial pressures, staff wellbeing and integrated care.

In recent years SCAS has taken a leading role in the delivery of regional healthcare by shaping and defining emergency and urgent care services and positioning itself as a ‘care navigator’ for the needs of patients through close collaboration with partners.

This has included the SCAS-led development and implementation of integrated urgent care models which facilitate enhanced clinical guidance in areas such as mental health, maternity and dental care via NHS 111, demonstrating further expansion from the traditional model of 999 ambulance care.