Integrated Care 24 (IC24) is proud to announce that the Unscheduled Care Coordination Hub (UCCH) has been shortlisted in the HSJ Partnership of the Year category for the prestigious 2025 HSJ Awards. This recognition highlights the exceptional work and innovation demonstrated by the team and stands as a testament to the dedication of IC24 and Norfolk and Waveney ICB in 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, showcasing the impressive scale of talent, commitment, and impact across the NHS and wider healthcare landscape.

This shortlisting follows IC24’s recent success at the HSJ Partnership Awards, where the UCCH team celebrated their contribution to the local community. The Norfolk and Waveney UCCH integrates multidisciplinary teams to improve urgent and emergency care by providing timely, appropriate responses. By reviewing 999 calls and coordinating alternatives to ambulance dispatches, the UCCH enables patients to receive care at home, reducing hospital admissions and freeing up emergency resources. Focussing on collaboration across health and social care, the UCCH enhances patient care, reduces ED pressure, allowing for the right care, at the right place, first time.

Dr Tim Merchant, Medical Director for Integrated Urgent Care, said:

“We are delighted that the UCCH has been nominated for another HSJ award. This is testament to the continued enthusiasm, collaboration and innovation between IC24 staff and our system partners. Even since the last award showcase, the hub has continued to evolve, and now includes a mobile X-ray home visiting offer as well as enhanced clinical oversight and designated admission avoidance pathways, and has been included in a submission to NHS England to be part of an implementation plan for Neighbourhood working as part of the 10-year plan.”

HSJ Editor Alastair McLellan commented:

“On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Integrated Care 24 & Norfolk and Waveney ICB on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Unscheduled Care Coordination Hub. 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 continues 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/.