NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group has won a Health Service Journal Patient Safety Award for its role in an initiative improving kidney disease care across the North West.

The chronic kidney disease pathway improvement project, known as CORE Kidney, won the award for ‘Best Use of Integrated Care and Partnership Working in Patient Safety’.

This collaborative partnership – between NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (NHS UHL Group), North West Kidney Network, Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System, Cheshire and Mersey Biochemistry Network, and supported by the Telehealth team at Mersey Care NHS FT – was recognised for going above and beyond to improve the standards of care provided to patients across the region.

The project has established a comprehensive, system-wide framework aimed at improving the early detection, risk assessment, and proactive management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has successfully united services across primary care, public health, laboratory diagnostics, and secondary care creating a truly integrated approach.

CORE Kidney prioritises patient safety, transitioning from hospital-based to community-centred care, from analogue systems to digital solutions, and from reactive treatments to preventative care – a perfect example of how the 10 Year Health Plan is creating a health service fit for the future.

Following its success, the initiative is now ready for wider regional rollout ensuring a future-ready system that delivers better outcomes for CKD patients across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Dr Wodeyar, Consultant Nephrologist at NHS UHL Group and North West Kidney Network CKD Clinical lead for Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive this award – it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our whole team.

“Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition highlights our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care for a group of patients we deeply care about.

“Through this award, we also want to raise the profile of our co-produced solution – so that more primary care colleagues come forward to partner with us in tackling this urgent public health challenge.

“Together, we can ensure earlier detection, better prevention, and safer, more consistent care for people living with chronic kidney disease.”

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said: “A huge congratulations to the North West Kidney Network on winning a HSJ award for their commitment to patient safety and improving care for our communities across the region.

“This is a great achievement and team effort by all the organisations involved and they should be incredibly proud of themselves.”

Now in its 15th year, the HSJ Patient Safety Awards shine a spotlight on organisations driving forward patient safety and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the NHS and independent healthcare providers. This year, the awards received 456 entries, with 216 projects shortlisted, and just 25 winners selected by a panel of expert judges.

For more information about the HSJ Patient Safety Awards, please visit the awards website.