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Work to improve digital skills and to look at end-of-life care has led to two Black Country NHS Trusts being shortlisted for awards that recognise excellence in patient care.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust has been nominated for three awards for continuity of care, improving experiences and also for team of the year.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) is in the running for four awards which cover care and learning within end of life care and engaging the public.

The Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA) will be held in Birmingham in October.

Garry Perry, associate director patient voice (experience) for Walsall Healthcare, said staff were proud to have been shortlisted.

“In Walsall, we have been collaborating with Walsall Council to set up a Walsall Connected hub in the Manor Hospital.

“This helps people gain or expand their digital skills and improve their access to online services."

It was "thrilling" to be nominated for team of the year too, he added.

Alison Dowling, associate director of patient relations at RWT, said it was great to see their work relating to one award - working in collaboration with Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action (WVCA) was successful enough to be shortlisted.

“Our work with patients and families around end-of-life to look more deeply at each stage in their journey from a complaints point of view is another important piece of work we are committed to use to drive meaningful change," she said.

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