Sussex Health and Care Partnership online tool nominated for top award

Sussex Health and Care Partnership has been shortlisted for a Nursing Times award that recognises the innovative work and efforts of nursing staff to improve the experiences of children in care.

The nomination recognises work on ‘My health appointment’- an accessible interactive online resource that explains and prepares children in care for their initial health assessment.

The resource was created following participation forums where children in care in Sussex fed back that health assessments made them feel anxious.

A designated team of nurses across the county, worked in partnership with Artswork, a youth arts charity and they co-created the tool. With fun and interactive elements, My health appointment helps children to better understand why they are seeing a doctor and what to expect at the apppointment.

Louise Govier, Chief Executive of Artswork said, ”At Artswork, we believe in the power of arts and culture to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Collaboration across sectors is key to improving lives and this fantastic new tool, bringing a creative approach to a medical process, shows what can be achieved when we work together. We are thrilled that this work has been recognised with this nomination from the Nursing Times – and we hope the resource will a real positive impact for the children that are being cared for across Arun.”

Designated Nurse for Children and Young People in Care Helen Murtagh said, “Children entering the care system have often experienced trauma and can be confused and overwhelmed by things they have little control over. They often don’t know why they have additional appointments and that this can cause them to feel anxious.”

“The online resource uses bright colours, animation, and child-friendly language to explain why they are seeing a doctor and what to expect at their appointment. The initiative aims to create a positive first experience that could influence better health engagement throughout children’s time in care and beyond.”

The Nursing Times Awards take place on Wednesday 26 October