Posted on: 16 January 2023
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP) won two national awards at the prestigious Asian Professionals National Alliance (APNA) NHS Conference on Friday 13 January.
The APNA Awards provide an opportunity to shine a light on the outstanding efforts and achievements from South Asian colleagues and teams across the NHS.
Winning the ‘Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ Partnership of the year category, the judges recognised WY HCP’s strength in collaborating and working together to deliver recommendations from its race review, published in 2020. This includes the importance of diverse leadership to improve access to health and care services for all. The citation also recognised the national award-winning movement ‘Root Out Racism’, part of WY HCP’s ongoing commitment to tackle structural and institutionalised racism.
Pam Bhupal, who works for WY HCP strategy and planning team, took home the second winning entry for APNA ‘Super Star’ Award.
Pam said: ‘I’m truly humbled. I genuinely believe we need to be part of the change we want to see…. and we are! Winning this award is only possible because of th
e wider team effort which I am proud to be part of and the ethos of WY HCP, where every voice matters’.
Cathy Elliott, Chair of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said: ‘It’s wonderful for colleagues to receive national recognition for their hard work on equality, inclusion, and diversity, particularly in working to tackle the inequalities experienced in health and care. Never has it been more needed. It’s great news and well done to all!’
Driving forward inclusion is at the heart of WY HCP.
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council and WY HCP Inclusion Lead said: ‘The way we address equality, diversity and inclusion is to work with all partner organisations, including our local councils. I really feel the awards are not just about ticking the right box - we are passionate, committed and focussed on making the changes needed to ensure no one gets left behind. These awards are well-earned recognition for the way we work together towards a more equal and inclusive society. Receiving these awards gives colleagues the boost they deserve during these challenging times we live in. They importantly enable us to learn from one another and share good practice’.
All in all, it was a good evening of recognition for all working in West Yorkshire health and care services. None of which would have been possible without the incredible work of all staff.
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
· West Yorkshire Race Review, 2020.
· You can find out more about ‘Connected on Inclusion’ on WY HCP’s website
· Read more about the award winning ‘Root Out Racism’ award on WY HCP’s website.