Bridge of Hope’s pilot physiotherapy programme delivered to people experiencing conflict related pain has been shortlisted for a prestigious healthcare award.
Bridge of Hope is a department of the North Belfast regeneration charity Ashton Community Trust (www.ashtoncentre.com) and since 2001 has worked to support the health and wellbeing needs of those affected by the legacy of the conflict with a range of support services and training.
The Advancing Healthcare Awards NI (http://advancinghealthcareni.co.uk) take place in October this year and Bridge of Hope’s endeavours have been nominated as a contender in the ‘Innovation and Creativity’ category. The Advancing Healthcare Awards aim to encourage innovation, team working, new ways of delivering care and the highest standards of practice. The award themes are drawn from the Department of Health (DoH) report Health and Wellbeing 2026 –Delivering together, the outworking of the Professor Raphael Bengoa’s Expert Panel’s recommendations.
Bridge of Hope’s pilot physiotherapy programme was delivered by specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist Francis McMonagle from the Trauma and Orthopaedic department of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust. It was made possible with support by the Victims & Survivors Service who administers funds on behalf of The Executive Office.
“This week the team behind the Advancing Healthcare Awards NI let us know that we have been shortlisted for ‘The Seating Matters Award for Innovation and Creativity’ and we are just delighted,” Irene Sherry Head of Victims & Mental Health Services at Ashton Community Trust said.
“This service was highly effective with those experiencing chronic pain as a result of the conflict and therefore from our position as a community based health and wellbeing organisation highly successful in relation to supporting individuals to feel better in themselves.”
Speaking about the awards Hazel Winning, Allied Health Professional (AHP) lead officer at DoH commented: “Over the past three years these awards have vividly shown the way in which AHPs in Northern Ireland are helping to transform health and social care, demonstrating real impact and setting the highest standards.”