Guy's and St Thomas' gain national glory for 'Barbara's Story'

Guy’s and St Thomas’ saw their new dementia strategy celebrated on Friday 22nd March at the 2013 International Visual Communications Association Awards at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.  

The safeguarding team and White Boat TV became victorious for their compelling video that trains staff on how to provide exceptional care for our older patients and those with a diagnosis of a dementia. Facing stiff competition against 149 entries, ‘Barbara’s Story’ took gold for best Internal Communications and went on to shine in the Best Direction category, winning a Silver second award of the evening.

Because a quarter of patients in UK hospitals have a form of dementia, and the number is growing, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust are using ‘Barbara’s Story’ as a training tool as part of an innovative campaign to raise awareness of dementia for all staff in both hospitals and in the community.

Chief Nurse, Eileen Sills, said: “’Barbara’s Story' has had such a positive impact within our Trust, with staff very visibly doing things differently. It is very humbling to watch and ‘Barbara's Story’ has struck the heart of the organisation in a way which could never have been imagined.”

‘Barbara’s Story’ is just one of many ways that the Trust is putting its patients first. Although this prestigious award has recognised their effective communication and creativity, the team are not stopping there. They are continuing to work with White Boat TV to launch a six-part series of ‘Barbara’s Story’, taking staff on her journey throughout her patient experiences.