CHuFT Awards 2026

• Searches for better ways of working
• Looks at how other teams do things
• Turns “what if…?” into real change

I am proud to nominate the dedicated teams behind the successful implementation of the Urgent Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Pathway for their outstanding contribution to improving emergency care services. Special recognition goes to those whose leadership and commitment have been instrumental in this achievement. Through their collaborative efforts, these teams have developed and embedded a transformative urgent SDEC service that has significantly enhanced the quality, efficiency, and responsiveness of emergency care. Notably, the percentage of patients admitted, transferred, or discharged within four hours has risen from an average of 65% to over 80%, marking a substantial improvement in meeting the national Emergency Care Standard. The implementation of the Urgent SDEC model has delivered measurable benefits across multiple domains: Improved patient experience and clinical outcomes, with faster access to care and reduced waiting times. Enhanced operational performance, including a reduction in Emergency Department conversion rates, better utilisation of admission spaces, and a decrease in reported clinical incidents. Optimised resource use, with a slight reduction in bed occupancy and improved availability of clinical space, enabling timely interventions such as IV antibiotics, ECGs, and cannulation. Sustained quality improvement, supported by daily and weekly PDSA cycles, which have shown that the home-first approach has effectively reduced unnecessary admissions without compromising patient safety. This nomination celebrates not only the success of a new care model but also the dedication, innovation, and teamwork that made it possible. The Urgent SDEC Pathway stands as a model of excellence in emergency care transformation.

The implementation of the Urgent Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Pathway has had a transformative impact on our team, organisation, and the wider health service. It has significantly improved staff morale by fostering collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose. The initiative has empowered staff through regular PDSA cycles, enabling rapid improvements and frontline engagement. Organisationally, the results are clear: the four-hour Emergency Care Standard improved from 65% to over 80%, Emergency Department conversion rates dropped, and clinical incidents decreased. Bed occupancy slightly reduced, and clinical space availability improved, allowing faster delivery of critical interventions. The home-first approach has reduced unnecessary admissions while maintaining patient safety, easing pressure on hospital resources. This model has enhanced patient experience, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiency. Personally, it’s been inspiring to witness such a positive shift—proof that thoughtful service redesign can deliver measurable improvements in care quality and staff wellbeing.

Comments from staff: “Been amazing felt the impact within first week main a&e has improved so much” “Since uSDEC, the ED has felt much better—more relaxed and focused. We've been able to concentrate on the patients we see in the department, with greater attention to both adult & pediatric cases.”  “Staff morality has massively improved..we are not as stressed out..I am coming to work more happier...we also have more time for our patients, being actually able to care for them ”