Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC) is proud to announce that Sexual Health Wirral has been shortlisted for the Innovation and Improvement in reducing Healthcare Inequalities Award at the prestigious 2025 HSJ Awards. This recognition highlights the exceptional work and innovation demonstrated by the team and a testament to Sexual Health Wirral’s dedication to driving healthcare excellence.
This year’s awards attracted more than 1,250 entries from across the health sector. With only 245 projects and individuals making it through to the final shortlist, the competition has been incredibly tough, demonstrating the impressive scale of talent, commitment, and impact across the NHS and wider healthcare landscape.
Sexual Health Wirral’s shortlisted entry, ourPlace, Wirral’s Sexual Health Service for young people was selected following a rigorous judging process and has been recognised as a standout example of excellence in healthcare delivery. The service is aimed at young people aged 13 – 19, extending to 25 year olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The 2025 awards judging panel was once again made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, including; Matthew Style, Director General, Secondary Care and Integration, Department of Health & Social Care, Mark Cubbon, Chief Executive Officer, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trustand Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, NHS England as well as a range of esteemed Chief Executives from NHS Trusts across the UK.
The submission recognises the co-production work with young people to develop ourPlace, Wirral’s Sexual Health Service for young people. ourPlace was shaped through engagement sessions, outreach, and a survey. Insights led to a service designed around young people’s priorities: confidentiality, non-judgemental care, and a welcoming, non-clinical environment.
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at WCHC said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted for the Innovation and Improvement in reducing Healthcare Inequalities Awardat the HSJ Awards 2025. This is a proud moment for our team, whose hard work and passion for improving access to sexual health services for young people in Wirral has been extraordinary. To be recognised among so many outstanding initiatives is already a win in itself.”
“Regardless of the outcome on the night, we’re thrilled to be able to share our collaborative journey and learnings with others across the sector, and to celebrate what’s possible when we come together to deliver better care.”
Sally Barlow, Service Lead, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted. This recognition reflects not only the hard work and commitment of our team, but also the valuable collaboration with local young people in developing and shaping an inclusive and non-judgemental service. Young people can access sexual health support and advice in welcoming clinic environments, online and via our tailored outreach in local youth centres and colleges.”
HSJ Editor Alastair McLellan commented:
“On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Sexual Health Wirral on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Innovation and Improvement in reducing Healthcare Inequalities Award. All of the applications represent the ‘very best of the NHS’ and often leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice!
“Year on year the number of entrants continue to rise which I find so encouraging and is testament to the effect that HSJ Awards can have on improved staff culture and morale.
“We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming our finalists to the awards ceremony in November, celebrating their impressive achievements and jointly acknowledging our values of sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes and continuously driving for better service. But we never forget that the award ceremony is not just a celebration within a night, but a platform to recognise the hard work of all our NHS staff, all year round.”
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 20th November 2025 at Evolution London. The event celebrates excellence in healthcare, promotes best practice, and recognises the people and projects improving outcomes for patients nationwide.
For more details on the 2025 HSJ Awards shortlist, visit https://awards.hsj.co.uk/
To learn more about our partners, visit https://awards.hsj.co.uk/partners
