Devon NHS leader wins prestigious national award

A Devon NHS and local government leader has won a prestigious national award for her exceptional work to improve people’s health and wellbeing and help them get the care they need in or close to their home.

Keri Storey was victorious in the National NHS Leadership Recognition Awards at a ceremony in central London.

She beat nine other finalists in the NHS Partnership/System Leader category – to follow up her success in the South West regional awards in November.

The awards celebrate those “who have ultimately improved people’s health, the public’s experience of the NHS and leaders we are truly proud to work alongside”.

Keri is assistant director of health and social care for the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and Devon County Council. Her role spans over half of Devon and she works closely with a range of health and social care organisations as well as the independent and not-for-profit sectors.

Among other things, Keri has overseen the development of:
• An onward care team based at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to help ensure community support is in place, so fewer patients have to be admitted and so those who do go to the wards and need complex care packages can leave hospital earlier
• The Hospital at Home service in the Woodbury, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton (WEB) area, working with GPs, out-of-hours medical services, RD&E and health and social care staff, providing 24/7 care for the frail elderly in their own home to prevent admission to hospital
• Community nurse-led education and support for nursing homes in Northern Devon to enhance care, so fewer people have to go into hospital

Keri has headed up the work of the Trust’s complex care teams to 'pull' patients from RD&E and North Devon District Hospital and take ongoing responsibility for making sure care is provided in the right place at the right time.

Her nomination said:

“Her energetic and empathetic leadership has enabled her to develop strong relationships, particularly successful at times of pressure."

“Her commitment has inspired and empowered local leaders and staff in developing their own solutions to local challenges."

“During the last two years Keri has worked tirelessly to develop and deliver successful community-based services, making effective use of resources and supporting change in existing services."

“These developments have demonstrated her commitment to working in partnership, recognising the organisational challenges this can bring.”

Keri said:

“It is a great honour to be recognised nationally for our work here in Devon."

“While I was proud and humbled to receive the award on a personal level, I would like to dedicate it to our highly skilled and dedicated community staff who do an amazing job supporting people to live healthily and independently, as close to their home as possible."

“The best thing is knowing that these integrated services and developments are making a real difference to our patients.”

The awards ceremony celebrated each of the 83 regional winners and was attended by about 400 people.

Keri and the other national winners have been invited to a champions’ dinner in London in April and will receive coaching and mentoring opportunities via the NHS Leadership Academy’s expert faculty.

Jan Sobieraj, managing director of the NHS Leadership Academy, said:

“The ceremony was a perfect example of why we should always take a moment to celebrate the outstanding people we have in the NHS."

“The awards celebrate leaders at all levels in health and social care and are a fantastic reminder of the brilliant work which takes place every single day to improve patient care and experience."

“I would like to congratulate all the finalists – each one is exceptional and inspiring in their own way.”