Finalists announced for 2016 QuDoS in MS Awards

For information about the 2017 QuDoS in MS programme, visit www.qudos-ms.com.

Judging took place last week for the second QuDoS (recognising Quality in the Delivery of Services in Multiple Sclerosis) in MS Awards, skilfully chaired by Rev Dr Alasdair Coles, Professor of Neuroscience, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge who guided the panel in the difficult job of whittling numerous nominations down to a shortlist of 20 finalists in preparation for next month’s Awards evening. The QuDoS in MS Awards programme is a pharmaphorum initiative delivered in partnership with the Multiple Sclerosis Trust  and sponsored by a number of pharmaceutical companies, including Biogen, Novartis and Sanofi Genzyme. These awards highlight innovation and excellence in MS management and service delivery and also recognise the valuable contribution of individuals and teams in improving the quality of life and experience of care for those with MS. The Outstanding MS specialist nurse category received a large number of entries, and finalists include Nikki Embrey (Royal Stoke MS Centre of Excellence, Royal Stoke University Hospital), Sarah Roderick (Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust) and Del Thomas (Wye Valley NHS Foundation Trust and UK MS Specialist Nurse Association). Teams from throughout the UK were also commended in the multidisciplinary team of the year category for their use of skills, knowledge and expertise to deliver comprehensive, coordinated and easily accessible services to people affected by MS. Finalists include teams from Cardiff, Scotland and Surrey. Joela Mathews, a finalist in the Outstanding pharmacist in MS category from The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust said, “The MS trust does such a lot of work to advocate for MS patients and their families and the fact that neuropharmacists are being recognised for their contribution to the MS patient pathway is a big step forward for the profession.  The fact I have been nominated by my colleagues is an honour in itself and makes me realise that the work and extra hours put in are valued.  The fact I have now been shortlisted is such an honour and put such a smile on my face and the faces of the rest of my team, because although it is an award for an individual, in the NHS and healthcare we are all aware that without our teams none of the work we do would be possible.” Commenting on the entries received this year, patient representative and member of the judging panel David Yeandle OBE said: “We were very pleased to have received a wide range of entries for this year's Awards which clearly shows the hard work and innovative thinking of so many people who are working to support people with MS and improve the quality of patients' lives. The standard of this year's entries was even higher than last year and they provide some excellent examples of good practice from which everyone working in the field of MS can learn. We look forward to recognising these outstanding individuals and teams at the Awards evening on 5 November 2016.” There are eight categories in total, as well as two Judges’ Special Awards which will be given on the night to an individual and a team that the judges feel deserves national recognition within the field of MS. The award may be given to an entry that has not won in its own category but, in the judges’ opinion, is worthy of being recognised as demonstrating innovation and excellence in MS service management and delivery as well as enhancing the quality of life of those with MS. Winners within each category will be announced at the Awards evening on Saturday 5 November at the Beaumont Estate, Windsor, prior to the MS Trust Annual Conference, which takes place from 6–7 November 2016. Case studies for all finalists will be featured on QuDoS (www.qudos-ms.com) shortly after the Awards evening. Visit www.qudos-ms.com for further information on this year’s shortlisted finalists. 2016 finalists: Individuals: Pam Bostock, Consultant Occupational Therapist, Adult Ability Team, Virgincare – East Staffordshire Deborah Clark, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Rachel Dorsey-Campbell, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Nikki Embrey, Royal Stoke MS Centre of Excellence, Royal Stoke University Hospital Natasha Kesby, Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist, Hobbs Rehabilitation Joela Mathews, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust Emma Murphy, Consultant in Rehabilitation, The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Moni Robson, Lead Physiotherapist, Leuchie House National Respite Centre Sarah Roderick, Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust Paul Talbot, MS Consultant Neurologist, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Del Thomas, Wye Valley NHS Trust and UK MS Specialist Nurse Association (UKMSSNA) Teams: Ayrshire & Arran MS Service, Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre, Ayrshire Central Hospital Community Neuro Rehabilitation Service, CSH Surrey Greater Manchester Multiple Sclerosis Team, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Harrow Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre MS Team, Helen Durham Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff ‘Making Samson Stronger’, The Samson Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Natalie Thompson and Emily Whisker, Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Vocational Rehabilitation Service, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square   QuDoS in MS Awards programme partners pharmaphorum media is delighted to be working in partnership with the Multiple Sclerosis Trust as part of its pharmaphorum healthcare partners brand. The programme has been co-funded by Biogen, Novartis and Sanofi Genzyme.