PROJECTS providing vital care and support for patients and residents across Gwent – from children to the elderly – have scooped four out of nine NHS Wales Awards for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and its staff.

Leading the way was the Care Home Ask and Chat (CHAaT) service, which provides a confidential ‘ear’ to enable care home resident and their families to talk about their experiences and raise concerns.

As well as winning the awards’ Citizens at the Centre of Service Re-Design and Delivery category, CHAaT was named the overall NHS Wales Award winner for Outstanding Innovation in Care.

Delivered through a volunteer team of retired NHS professionals CHAaT, said project leader and divisional nurse for primary care Tanya Strange, is designed to put older people at the centre of their own care.

“CHAaT is all about respect and dignity. It enables older people to have a voice about the care they receive, and also helps care homes to make improvements and celebrate what they do well.”

Gwent’s health board has also been involved in a project to improve patient care and dignity by decreasing the use of inappropriate continence aids.

Helen Price, from the University of South Wales, and a student nurse in Gwent, was awarded the inaugural Students Improving Patient Safety and Quality award for the project.