Pilot project shortlisted for HSJ Digital Award
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) is proud to share that its Project Team, based in the Information Management & Technology Department (IM&T), were finalists in the ‘Improving Mental Health through Digital’ category at the HSJ Digital Awards 2025 for their work on digitising therapeutic observations.
The shortlisting was a result of the team's innovative work in developing a mobile app that digitises therapeutic observations in mental health inpatient settings, replacing traditional paper-based methods to offer real-time visibility of observation timing, enhanced data quality, increased efficiency, and ultimately improve the quality of patient care.
The app, which is integrated with GMMH’s Electronic Patient Record (EPR), enables staff to access and record observation data instantly, streamlining the recording process while simultaneously enhancing patient engagement.
The team seized the opportunity to develop this new tool as part of the strategy for North View to be a state-of-the-art ‘digital hospital’. Since the new inpatient hospital welcomed patients in 2024, the app began its pilot trial on three wards, and received positive feedback from both staff and patients, with the app found to foster more meaningful interactions and reduce reliance on verbal handovers.
This positive impact has resulted in the app being deployed across all nine wards at North View, with a phased rollout across the Trust about to commence.
The project was developed in collaboration with clinical staff and shaped by service user feedback to ensure inclusivity and usability. It has also demonstrated potential for broader application across the NHS, with key learnings shared with other Trusts.
Tracy Vjestica, Project Manager, said:
“Although we didn't take home the win, we are immensely proud to have reached the finals with our Digital Therapeutic Observation App. It was a wonderful evening celebrating all the amazing advancements the NHS is making in the digital world.
“Being recognised among such innovative and impactful projects is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. The event was a fantastic platform to showcase the strides we are making in digital health and to connect with other passionate professionals who are driving change in the NHS.
“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Let's continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare through digital innovation.”
