Chaplaincy team wins HSJ value award

24 May 2019

The Trust is very proud of our chaplaincy team who picked up an award for their entry in the Clinical support services category at last night’s HSJ Value awards.

The awards highlight the best examples of the NHS and its partners adding value – whether that is through financial savings or improved services for patients.

The team was recognised for creating a chaplaincy for the 21st century – a multi-faith and belief service. In the course of a year, the team worked hard to transform the service from a more traditional Christian faith based service to one that meets the spiritual and religious needs of our diverse population in Buckinghamshire. The chaplaincy team now covers Anglican, United Reformed Church, Free Church, Humanist and Muslim, and includes volunteers from different faiths including Baha’i, Buddhist, and Roman Catholic.

Pictured above: Lindsay van Dijk, lead chaplain (on right) with Demelza Mai (left) a humanist placement student and chaplaincy volunteer

Lead chaplain for the service, Lindsay van Dijk said: “It’s wonderful that the team has been recognised for its work. Change can be challenging, but the positive energy, support and goodwill that all members of the team have brought to this endeavour has been an absolute joy to be a part of.”

The awards receive hundreds of entries from right across the UK and 70 judges whittle them down to a list of 150 finalists with 20 winners revealed on the night.

The Trust is also proud that our community hubs team was recognised as a finalist at the awards. The team was shortlisted in the strongly contested Care for Older People category.

Well done to both teams for their innovative work in providing services that respond to the changing needs of patients and our local community.

Pictured above Representatives from both our community hubs team and chaplaincy team arrive at last night's ceremony.