THERE is double joy at Ipswich Hospital today after they won two awards at a flagship ceremony.

THERE is double joy at Ipswich Hospital today after they won two awards at a flagship ceremony.

The Health and Social Care Awards run by the Department of Health are held every year to recognise excellence in the industry.

And at this year's regional ceremony, held in Stock, Essex, Ipswich Hospital was the only organisation to win in two categories.

A project where patients with pulmonary embolisms (blood clot in the lung) can be safely treated at home won the Innovative Acute Care award.

And a project where symbols are used on patients' bedsides to help people with additional needs, such as sight or hearing impairment, won the Dignity in Care Award.

Two other projects from the hospital were runners up at the event. A programme which has reduced the number of patient falls was short-listed for the Patient Safety award and the team of ward sisters were short-listed in the Leadership for Improvement category.

The awards are open to the NHS, social services, local government, charities, the voluntary sector, patient and carer organisations, care homes and other independent care providers. Ipswich Hospital was the only organisation to have four short-listed projects.

Sarah Higson, Patient and Public Involvement lead at the hospital, said: “The hospital was so successful because our projects all put patients first.

“There's fantastic and innovative work going on in the hospital every day and it's great that this is being recognised at such a prestigious level.”

The two winning teams both received �2,000 to invest in their projects. It was presented by breakfast television presenter Bill Turnbull.

The awards were judged by a panel of experts representing the Department of Health and patients.

The two winning teams will now be put forward for a further round of judging, for possible selection for the UK finals.