SUCCESSFUL projects launched by the healthcare trust that runs Okehampton Community Hospital were showcased at one of the healthcare industry’s biggest awards events.

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust was a multiple finalist in the HSJ Value in Healthcare Awards, which recognise and reward outstanding efficiency and improvement by the NHS.

In the spotlight were ComPAS, the trust’s community patient administration and STAR, an online learning portal for staff.

ComPAS provides detailed data which helps to inform contract negotiations, workforce planning, operational delivery and communications, bringing significant improvements in productivity and estimated savings of £3.4-million through reduced hospital admissions.

STAR is an online learning management system where trust staff can access, complete and track all their mandatory and optional training from any internet-enabled device; it has brought significant benefits since its launch in 2013, including £1-million savings in training costs for patient-facing staff.

The Exeter Community Nursing Centre, Exeter cluster pharmacy team and orthopaedic department at North Devon District Hospital were also shortlisted for awards at the event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The five projects are among a number of schemes the trust has introduced to help it deliver safe, high-quality care while also saving money for the NHS.

They beat off competition from a record 532 entries received by organisers the Health Service Journal.

ComPAS was also a finalist in the EHI Awards, which celebrate the best IT projects in healthcare.