Croydon Health Services NHS Trust’s Pharmacy Homecare Team has been named a finalist in the Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year category at the 2025 HSJ Awards.
The team was recognised for a patient-centred project developed in collaboration with rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology specialists.
The project supported more than 300 patients to switch to a safer, more user-friendly, and cost-effective alternative medication.
Bhavesh Patel, chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted for the Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year at the HSJ Awards 2025.
“This is a proud moment for our team, whose hard work and passion for improving healthcare have been extraordinary.
“To be recognised among so many outstanding initiatives is already a win in itself.
“Regardless of the outcome on the night, we’re thrilled to be able to share our journey and learnings with others across the sector, and to celebrate what’s possible when we come together to deliver better care.”
The project aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing side effects, increasing satisfaction, and encouraging adherence to treatment.
It is also expected to save the trust nearly £500,000 a year.
The scheme includes a new agreement with a homecare provider to make access to medication even easier for patients.
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust was selected from more than 1,250 entries, with only 245 projects and individuals making the final shortlist.
Alastair McLellan, editor of HSJ, said: “On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Croydon Health Services NHS Trust on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Medicines, Pharmacy and Prescribing Initiative of the Year.
“All of the applications represent the ‘very best of the NHS’ and often leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice.
“Year on year the number of entrants continues to rise which I find so encouraging and is testament to the effect that HSJ Awards can have on improved staff culture and morale.
“We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming our finalists to the awards ceremony in November, celebrating their impressive achievements and jointly acknowledging our values of sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes and continuously driving for better service.
“But we never forget that the award ceremony is not just a celebration within a night, but a platform to recognise the hard work of all our NHS staff, all year round.”
The HSJ Awards celebrate excellence in healthcare and recognise teams and projects making a positive impact on patient care across the UK.
The 2025 judging panel included senior leaders from across the NHS and healthcare sector, such as Matthew Style, director general of secondary care and integration at the Department of Health and Social Care.
Also on the panel were Mark Cubbon, chief executive officer of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 20 at Evolution London.
