CCGs shortlisted for prestigious HSJ award NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG have been shortlisted for a prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Award.

Their apprenticeship scheme with Hugh Baird College has been shortlisted under the workforce category with ten other entrants across the UK.

The bespoke course designed and shaped by the CCGs with Hugh Baird College gave apprentices the chance to train whilst working in a GP practice to get the hands on experience that they need. Many of them still work in practice and some have gone on to complete further training.

Debbie Fagan, chief nurse at the CCGs said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted, the team here worked so hard to design the course and all of the apprentices who took part have expressed how beneficial it was to them.

“In this climate where it isn’t that easy to source funding for further qualifications or to get jobs easily, they relished the opportunity and gave it their all. We are just happy that they found it so worthwhile.”

Alastair McLellan, Editor, HSJ, said: "With the NHS experiencing a tough time as funding fails to keep up with demand, the HSJ Awards are once again the best reminder of the excellence the service is capable of. Taken together the entries to the HSJ Awards represent work which, directly or indirectly, has saved thousands of lives and enhanced many times that number."

Now in their 35th year, the most sought after accolade in British healthcare recognises, celebrates and promotes the finest achievements in NHS, and showcases them to the service’s most influential leaders.

The next stage for the CCGs will be to complete a presentation and interview to a judging panel made up of senior and influential figures from the health sector. The winners will then be announced at the prestigious ceremony in partnership with de Poel health + care on 23 November 2016 at the InterContinental O2 in London.

For the full shortlist please visit: awards.hsj.co.uk/2016-shortlist