Hat-trick of wins puts UHB at the forefront of patient safety
Published on 29/09/2026
UHB enjoyed a night to remember at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards, taking home three awards and a highly commended accolade in recognition of its outstanding work to make care safer for patients.
The awards held on 28 September, recognise outstanding contributions to patient safety from across healthcare, and saw UHB colleagues take home three national trophies:
- Digital Clinical Safety Initiative of the Year - Alfa Controlled Drug Management System
- Safety Improvement Through Technology Award - Alfa Controlled Drug Management System
- Developing a Positive Safety Culture Award - Listen, Learn, Share
And, to cap off a remarkable evening: Highly Commended - Patient Safety Team of the Year.
The triple success represents one of UHB's strongest performances at the awards and showcases the innovation, compassion and dedication of colleagues who work every day to make care safer for patients.
A particularly memorable achievement was the double victory for the Trust's pioneering Alfa Controlled Drug Management System, which won in both of the categories for which it had been shortlisted. The innovative digital solution has transformed the way controlled drugs are managed across UHB, with a real-time electronic system that enhances visibility, safety and governance while releasing thousands of hours back to patient care.
Also celebrating was the Clinical Governance team behind Listen, Learn, Share, which received national recognition for its role in strengthening UHB's safety culture. The initiative promotes openness, learning and continuous improvement, helping colleagues share experiences, identify opportunities for improvement and ensure learning leads to meaningful change across the organisation.
Meanwhile, being named highly commended in the Patient Safety Team of the Year category is a fitting tribute to UHB's dedicated patient safety specialists, whose work supports colleagues across the Trust to learn from incidents, improve systems and continually strengthen the safety of care.
Jonathan Brotherton, Chief Executive, said: "What a fantastic achievement for UHB. To win three HSJ Patient Safety Awards and receive a highly commended recognition is an outstanding endorsement of the innovation, expertise and commitment of our colleagues.
“The Alfa programme is redefining what's possible through digital innovation in patient safety, while Listen Learn Share represents a fundamental cultural shift, empowering colleagues to speak up, share learning and turn incidents into opportunities for improvement. Together, these award-winning initiatives are helping to shape a safer, more forward-thinking organisation.
“Every one of these achievements has been made possible by colleagues working together with a shared ambition to provide the safest and highest-quality care for our patients. Congratulations to everyone involved. You have done UHB proud."
Last night's success is ultimately about more than awards. It reflects the thousands of everyday actions taken by colleagues across our hospitals and services to improve care, reduce risk and ensure patients receive the safest possible treatment.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible achievement.
