PenCLAHRC’s Patient-Initiated Clinic (PIC) project team were winners at this year's Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value in Healthcare Awards, which took place in Manchester on 24th May 2016.

The HSJ awards seek to recognise and reward outstanding efficiency and improvement by the NHS, as well as the excellent use of resources. They also seek out examples of demonstrable improvement in outcomes, both within back office functions and clinical initiatives.

Having travelled to London earlier this year to present their case and explain why their project should win, the PIC team went on to scoop the award in the General Medicine category at...

PenCLAHRC's work with the Rheumatology Team at Derriford Hospital, on an innovative patient-led appointment system, has been shortlisted for another prestigious national award.

The Direct Access service, which enables patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, to have more control of their treatment, has been shortlisted in the General Medicine category at this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value in Healthcare Awards.

Introduced in 2011, the Patient Initiated Appointment System (PIAS), currently allows 800 patients to contact a specialist nurse when they are worried about an aspect of their disease. An appointment can then be made quickly, if required, rather than the...

Rheumatoid arthritis patients in Plymouth are getting to see health experts when they need to, as a result of new research from PenCLAHRC.

Under the existing model of care, patients with conditions such as arthritis are given routine appointments that often take place when their symptoms are mild. Yet when their condition deteriorates it can be difficult to secure an urgent appointment.

Now, a new approach known as Patient-Initiated Clinics (PIC) is hoping to transform the delivery of care across the South West by putting patients in control. Instead of appointments booked months in advance, the scheme allows people to contact their...