UHB shortlisted for four HSJ Patient Safety Awards
Published on 09/06/2026
University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) has been shortlisted for four prestigious national accolades at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026, recognising outstanding work to improve safety for patients.
Two of the nominations highlight the success of the Alfa controlled drug software project, which has been named a finalist in both the Digital Clinical Safety Initiative of the Year and Safety Improvement Through Technology categories.
In addition, the Trust’s Patient Safety Team has been shortlisted for Patient Safety Team of the Year, recognising the collective impact of their work to drive learning, improve systems and support safer care across UHB.
A fourth nomination recognises the Trust’s Listen, Learn, Share initiative, which has been shortlisted in the Developing a Positive Safety Culture category, highlighting UHB’s commitment to openness, learning and continuous improvement.
The Alfa project has transformed how controlled drugs are managed across UHB, replacing paper-based processes with a real-time digital system that improves safety, efficiency and compliance. The electronic platform provides instant visibility of stock levels, supports safer administration of medication and uses barcode scanning to reduce the risk of selection errors at the point of care.
This latest recognition builds on previous national recognition for the Alfa programme and reflects the collaborative efforts of pharmacy, digital and clinical teams working together to enhance patient safety.
UHB Chief Executive Jonathan Brotherton said: “Being shortlisted for national recognition through the HSJ Patient Safety Awards is fantastic and a real testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams.
“The Alfa project and the work of our Patient Safety Team reflect our commitment to continually improving the safety of care we provide. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
The HSJ Patient Safety Awards celebrate organisations and teams across the NHS who are making a measurable difference to patient safety. UHB’s triple nomination highlights the Trust’s continued focus on innovation, collaboration and a strong culture of learning.
