1000 Lives Plus Communications Officer wins top UK award

Andrew picked up the award from the Association for Healthcare Communications and Marketing (AHCM) at its annual awards dinner in Birmingham.

 

Andrew receives his trophy from Warwick Partington, MTM Skills Training, Jo Yeaman, Chair AHCM and Colin Douglas, NHS Director of Communications.

The Communicator of the Year award goes to the individual who Colin Douglas, Director of NHS Communications, believes shows outstanding commitment, ability and professionalism. 

 

Andrew Cooper was nominated by Professor Jonathon Gray, Director of Healthcare Improvement for Public Health Wales.

 

Jonathon said:  "Andrew has played a significant part in the success of the 1000 Lives Campaign - the two-year patient safety initiative to improve healthcare in Wales. As its communications officer, Andrew has been responsible for developing and managing its brand, relationships with Wales' national media and providing support to fellow NHS communications officers. 

 

“He has maintained the Campaign's high profile, energy and momentum throughout the service and highlighted the importance of communications within healthcare.

 

"Andrew skilfully managed the Campaign's communications, giving a clear lead to ensure staff, directors, fellow communications professionals and key stakeholders communicated effectively.  He placed frontline staff at the forefront of the Campaign's communications to ensure it was truly staff focused and created a real sense of ownership.

 

"But most importantly, Andrew has proven that NHS campaigns can build a positive reputation both internally with staff, and externally with the media.”

 

Professor Sir Mansel Aylward CB, Chair of Public Health Wales, welcomed the news: “Andrew thoroughly deserves the award. Communications formed such a major part of the 1000 Lives Campaign and it's great that this work has been recognised.

 

“It shows the valuable role of communications in healthcare improvement work. Communications helps create a ‘joined up’ approach that gives energy to improvement campaigns. It supports the work of spreading improvements across organisations to ensure they become embedded in the care given to patients.”

 

The Communicating Health Awards recognise excellence and acknowledge good practice in all forms of communication in the NHS and health and social care throughout the UK.