A ‘No scalpel vasectomy’ service run by NHS Darlington Community Health Services have become runners-up in the Primary Care and Community Services Pathways award category at the regional Health and Social Care awards ceremony.

Last week’s ceremony at the Barceló Redworth Hall Hotel in Darlington saw the runners-up receive their award and celebrate the excellent work that is being done across the region in the NHS and Social Care sectors.

The regional Health and Social Care Awards, hosted by NHS North East, are designed to celebrate excellence and innovation, and share ideas that improve the lives of patients, service users, carers and staff. The regional award scheme is run in partnership with the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement and the Department of Health.

This year’s ceremony attracted 139 entries from teams and individuals across the region.

Darlington and Derwentside Community Health Services are successfully delivering the one-stop service that provides expert assessment, treatment and management of patients requesting a vasectomy in a community setting.

Historically, scalpel vasectomies were performed in hospital. In 2004, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommended that the no scalpel method of vasectomy should be used to reduce infection, bleeding and pain.

Colin Morris, chief executive of NHS Darlington, said: “This award recognises that 'the answer is already in the system' and focuses on the successful uptake of appropriately accredited ideas, process systems or techniques that have been tried elsewhere.

"The Health and Social Care Awards recognise the talent and achievement of health professionals and our short listing is an a strong indication of the excellent work that NHS Darlington has done for the benefit of local patients and service users.”

Nicola Wharton, specialist services manager for the no scalpel vasectomy service, said: “We have a small team of dedicated professionals who make this service work and have a very high rate of patient satisfaction. “The team is absolutely delighted to have won this award.”

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