Improving information for women with fibroids wins national award

A project which has improved the quality of information available to women who have had uterine fibroids has won a top NHS award.

It won the ‘Obstetrics and gynaecology’ category of the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value in Healthcare Awards which took place on Wednesday 24 May.

The Transforming Outcomes and Health Economics Through Imaging (TOHETI) programme – which is funded by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity and works across King’s Health Partners – brought together patients and clinicians to produce a short film and leaflet (PDF 1Mb) which have been distributed to more than 250 GP surgeries and 400 pharmacies in Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham.

They provide women affected by fibroids, which can cause abnormal bleeding and pain, with an easy to understand, accessible way of understanding the condition and treatment options.

Sarah, a patient who helped with the leaflet and was featured in the video, said: “This has been a brilliant project to be involved in from the start, and the win is well deserved.

“The leaflet and video would have made a real difference in helping me understand what fibroids are, and what different treatment options meant, and they’ve done a great job of raising awareness of a condition that affects so many women, but is little discussed.

“But what made it special was their commitment to listening to, working with, and making a difference for women.”

Consultant Gynaecologist Yacoub Khalaf added: “It is so gratifying to see the hard work of the TOHETI team recognised by this award. I am very proud to be part of the team. This award recognises the patient-centred care that Guy’s and St Thomas’ is committed to delivering.”

Nurse Consultant Debby Holloway, Nurse Consultant, agreed: “This has been an excellent project to work on as women were at the heart of it.

“By doing this we have been able to provide information in different formats to help women become empowered and take part as equal partners in their care. This has led to the development of a fibroid support group.”

Guy’s and St Thomas’ was shortlisted in three other categories of the HSJ Value in Healthcare Awards:

• ‘Improving the value of diagnostic services’ – for showing how imaging can improve patient care while contributing to cost-effectiveness
• ‘Improving the value of NHS support services’ – for increasing recycling rates in partnership with waste management contractor Bywaters.  
• ‘Communications’ – for engaging and involving patients, local residents and staff throughout the planning, construction and opening of the new Cancer Centre at Guy’s Hospital.