Luton-based man is runner-up in national healthcare awards

Company news

Nov 29, 2012

A healthcare manager who has developed a new 'service of excellence' at the Luton out-of-hours service has been named as runner-up in a prestigious award for quality improvement.

Alex Gillies was amongst the innovators recognised at the national Health Care Awards for finding new ways to improve services and standards for Care UK patients.

The competition, that judges say was the toughest they had seen, was open to Care UK’s 2,900 team members who provide expert care and services to patients at GP practices, diagnostics services, NHS treatment centres, out-of-hours services and prisons across the country.

Judges heard that Alex was promoted to out-of-hours manager last year and since his appointment has placed significant emphasis on finding ways to further improve processes at the service. He has also encouraged his team to undertake extra training so that they are even better equipped to help deliver a great service to patients.

He has redesigned standard operating procedures and incorporated them into a newly revised training schedule, as well as worked closely with commissioners and NHS Direct to ensure seamless patient pathways between the organisations.

Alex said: It was an honour to be nominated for a Care UK award and to be recognised as part of a team which provides an essential service to local people in and around Luton. I believe that our patients should come first in everything that we do and I am dedicated to providing a high quality service. Achieving that involves a lot of hard work and I am proud to be part of such a dedicated team.”

The Luton out-of-hours service provides advice, information and treatment for NHS patients who become unwell when their GP surgery is closed. For further information, visit www.careuk.com/luton-out-hours-service or call 0333 321 8278.