The chief officer of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG has been recognised in the NHS Parliamentary Awards.

Fiona Taylor was put forward by Southport MP Damien Moore for the awards, which recognise those in the NHS who have made a real difference to how local health and care services provide care for patients.

Fiona was recognised for the leadership she has shown in fostering innovative and patient-centred work around medicines management.

This has been particularly significant in the response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen the medicines team providing direct support to some of Sefton’s most vulnerable patients, as well as care homes, GP practices and community pharmacies.

This work has gained national and regional recognition and some of the best practice developed by the Sefton team to improve patient care has been adopted in other areas.

Southport MP Damien Moore said: “The leadership Fiona has shown throughout her 40 years of service, and most recently as chief officer of NHS Southport and Formby CCG and NHS South Sefton CCG has been outstanding.”

“Over the last 12 months, she has led the CCGs through an extremely difficult period. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a significant pressure on our health services, but Fiona has ensured those services have continued to deliver for patients whilst ensuring the most vulnerable within our community were provided with additional, direct support.

“I would like to put on record my thanks to Fiona for all of her work.”

Fiona Taylor said: “This nomination would not have been possible without the innovation and dedication of our medicines team in improving the care of patients, and their hard work in supporting some of our most vulnerable residents here in Sefton.

“After nearly 40 years of service in the NHS, to have been shortlisted for the national final was an honour. Congratulations to the other nominees and winners.”

The awards, sponsored by Fuji Film, were set up for the NHS’ 70^th Birthday to recognise the massive contribution made by the individuals who work in and alongside the NHS.

Winners were announced at the ceremony in London on Wednesday 7 July. The awards were also streamed live online for the first time ever.

This year the NHS Parliamentary Awards highlight some amazing examples of care provided from all NHS services, including but not limited to hospitals, community services and local practices.