The Trust, working with partners across health, care and the independent sector, has been shortlisted in the Best Partnership Supporting Personalised Care Pathways category at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2025.
The awards celebrate the very best examples of organisations working together to improve care for patients.
The shortlisted project focuses on improving how patients – particularly older and frail people – are supported to leave hospital safely and regain independence through better discharge planning and community support in West Norfolk.
By working closely with Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust, Norfolk County Council, Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, and Athena Care Homes, the Trust has helped reduce delays that can keep patients in hospital longer than they need to be.
As a result of the partnership:
- Waiting times for community reablement beds have reduced from up to 20 days to around five days
- Nearly half of patients using the service are now able to return home after reablement support
- The number of patients waiting in hospital to be discharged has fallen significantly
- Patient experience has improved, with fewer complaints and a stronger focus on individual recovery goals
The work has also helped free up hospital beds and ensure NHS resources are used more effectively, benefiting patients across the Trust.
Richard Parker, Interim Chief Operating Officer at The QEH, said: “We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for this national award. It recognises the hard work of our staff and partners, and most importantly the difference this work makes for patients.
“By working together across organisations, we’ve been able to help people leave hospital sooner, recover more quickly and return to independence wherever possible.”
Paula Fuller, Complex Discharge Matron, added: “This has completely changed the experience for many patients and families. We now have much better communication, quicker decisions and more personalised support.
“Seeing patients leave hospital at the right time, with the right care in place, has been incredibly rewarding for staff across the system.”
Shortlisting for the HSJ Partnership Awards places The QEH and its partners among a small number of collaborations recognised nationally for delivering real improvements in care. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 19 March 2026 in London.
The Trust hopes this recognition will help share learning more widely and support continued improvements for patients in West Norfolk and beyond.
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