Double celebration for finance directorate

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust's finance, procurement and performance information staff have a double cause for celebration, following the announcement that they’ve been shortlisted for two awards at this year’s HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association) South West Awards.

The entire finance directorate at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust has been shortlisted for ‘Team of the Year’ and Sarah McQuarry, who works as an accountant within the directorate, has been shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award.
Sarah’s shortlisting for this award is in recognition of her dedication and outstanding work to developing service and patient level costing, which has taken the Trust well ahead of the national curve in terms of having robust, detailed costing information to aid decision making.

Sarah said: “It was a big surprise to be shortlisted but it is nice to be recognised for the work that not only myself, but the team around me, put into providing information to the Trust. I look forward to representing the organisation at the awards.”

The shortlisting for Team of the Year reflects the hard work of all of the staff working within the finance directorate, consisting of finance, procurement and performance information, during very challenging financial times. The team have made significant and sustained improvements across a number of areas, including a renewed focus on staff development.

Joe Teape, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance, said: “I am exceptionally proud of my team; what makes them unique amongst finance teams across the country is the way that the performance information, procurement and finance work teams truly work together as one team.

“They have demonstrated a real commitment to developing themselves as both individuals and as a wider team, truly establishing themselves as a centre of excellence with the aim of better supporting services across the Trust in making real improvements that benefit staff and patients.

“In addition, they have demonstrated real engagement, commitment and determination despite the current climate and increasing pressure on staff and resources and are a credit to the Trust.”

Sarah and the team will find out whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony, held tonight as part of the HFMA South West Branch Annual Conference, at the Marriott Hotel, Bristol.