The learning disabilities team at Sherwood Forest Hospitals is celebrating after scooping a coveted Health Service Journal (HSJ) Award.

The awards recognise the most outstanding contributions of staff and organisations to the NHS and healthcare, and are the most prestigious healthcare awards in the calendar.

The learning difficulties team won the Enhancing Care by Sharing Data and Information category for their work improving how the trust cares for some of their most vulnerable patients – those with learning disabilities and autism.

The team has worked with partner organisations to identify people with these needs before they come into contact with the hospital, allowing the trust to make sure they are communicated with appropriately, and to implement any plans to can make sure their care journey is as easy as possible.

Suzanne Banks, chief nurse for Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “We are so proud of the team and the work that they do for our patients with learning difficulties and their families ­­— who we know are amongst the most vulnerable that we come into contact with.

“These patients deserve the exact same level of care that we would expect everyone else to get — and this vital work is helping us achieve that.

“Congratulations to the team for this hugely deserved recognition.”