A Day to Remember: NHS Benchmarking Network – Celebration of the Network
The highly anticipated ‘Celebration of the Network’ event took place at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre last week (16/05/24). The Network were delighted to welcome member organisations from throughout the UK.
For the first time ever, we welcomed virtual delegates through a hybrid system, with over 30 delegates joining online, all coming together to celebrate the excellent and ground breaking difference that benchmarking can make.
Bringing together NHSBN members and the Network Support Team, the event celebrated how Network data is being utilised by members and also recognised the valuable contribution made by member organisations.
The event kicked off with host Sam Wilde, Co-Chair of the Network Steering Group, setting the scene by highlighting the importance of benchmarking data within his own trust, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust. Sam emphasised what Network data can bring to a trusts strategy long term.
One of the days most anticipated moments was the first ever NHSBN award ceremony. Network Director Sarah Atkinson and event host Sam Wilde presented five awards. Four awards recognised members contribution to the Network. These awards winners were chosen by taking into account many factors: participation in Reference Groups, member programme projects and support with NHSFutures, project scoping and code testing. The fifth award recognised the personal achievements of one member of the Network support team, Aidan Rawlinson, Product Developer.
Congratulations to our winners:
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Aidan Rawlinson, NHS Benchmarking Network
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to network and share ideas with peers. Four guest speakers led the way by sharing how their Trusts have used the benchmarking data. Thank you to our guest speakers:
Samantha Steeples, Information Quality Officer at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust - Samantha discussed benchmarking in practice, a view from her own organisation. The presentation received interest during the day, particularly around the Trusts top tips NHS Benchmarking Policy.
Ursula James, Associate Director for Mental Health at NHS England - Ursula presented how benchmarking data had supported Systems within South West England. Ursula outlined conclusions from some of the regions bespoke projects undertaken by NHSBN. These conclusions included empowering, enabling and equipping Systems to deliver on population needs following the South West Perinatal Mental Health Services project.
Sheila O’Loughlin, Head of Home Pathway, Vicky Robinson, Therapy Team Lead and Paul Drury, Director Urgent Community Response Care Group at Bromley Healthcare CIC Ltd - Bromley Healthcare CIC kicked off the event's afternoon session with a presentation focused on Intermediate Care and how the CIC has used their Intermediate Care data.
Phil Horner, Deputy Chief Strategy & Improvement Officer at Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust - Phil rounded off the day with a presentation on building on benchmarking within the Trust.
As the event drew to a close, attendees left feeling enriched and eager to apply insights with new connections gained. The success of this year’s event sets the foundations for future celebrations of the Network, as we continue to recognise the invaluable contribution and commitment from our members.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the day, in particular our guest speakers and award winners. We hope to see many of you at our future events, whether that’s in person or virtually.
For more information and to stay updated on upcoming events, visit https://www.nhsbenchmarking.nhs.uk/events.