Eastwood health service receives top award for ‘powerful and valuable’ support of carers

Primary Integrated Community Services has been presented with an outstanding achievement award along with a carer-friendly service quality mark by the Nottinghamshire Carers Association.

The organisation works with residents with long-term health conditions who are registered to GP Surgeries in Kimberley and Eastwood. It aims to help them manage their condition, remain independent and avoid hospital admissions.

Staff ask every person that they work with whether they care for someone, or if they are cared for by someone.

With consent, they then register them as a carer with their local practice, ensuring that they will get greater support in the future.

The service was founded by a GP and practice manager at Eastwood Primary Care Centre more than nine years ago.

Last year, it became the first organisation in Nottinghamshire to be awarded the quality mark’ as an employer and for general practice, social prescribing and its care navigation services.

This new award in 2023 reflects confidence that staff across PICS consistently “do more than enough” to earn NCA’s coveted top award for all 35 of its services across the county.

Stephanie Smith, from the NCA, presented the latest award at an event at Hucknall’s Whyburn Medical Practice.

She said: “PICS staff are excellent at having what can be a difficult conversation.

“It can be emotional, and you don’t want to upset someone, but unless someone helps you recognise that you are a carer, we know that most people will never access support.”

Karen Frankland, PICS managing director, thanked residents, staff and volunteers at the special celebration.

She said: “I’m proud and privileged to receive this award on behalf of everyone at PICS.

“Making the journey better for residents and staff is at the heart of what PICS is all about. We know caring is rewarding and that carers learn a lot of skills from their experience.

“We want to empower carers in Nottinghamshire and within PICS to live their life well, connect with their community, manage paid work, and feel appreciated.”