Michael Barns and ASCU shortlisted for HSJ Awards
We are delighted to announce that the Acute Sickle Cell Unit and its clinical lead, Michael Barns, Lead advanced clinical practitioner for haematology and Consultant Paramedic, have been shortlisted for two accolades at this year’s HSJ Awards.
The nominations recognise the work of the Trust’s Acute Sickle Cell Unit (ASCU), which has been shortlisted for the NHS Race Equality Award, and Michael, who has been shortlisted for Clinical Leader of the Year.
The news comes ahead of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, which runs throughout September, and highlights the Trust’s commitment to improving care for patients with sickle cell disease. The recognition follows significant improvements delivered for the Trust’s sickle cell patient population, particularly in the management of sickle cell crises.
This progress has been supported by Trust leadership, including the establishment of two side rooms on Laurel Ward and investment in workforce development through the introduction of Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) within the unit.
ASCU is one of five pilot hyper acute sickle cell units in England to receive funding through an NHS England transformation programme established to address failings in the care of patients with sickle cell disease across the country.
Although our unit was one of the last pilot sites to launch, it was the first to achieve all key performance indicators and has continued to do so consistently since opening in January 2025.
The final evaluation of the pilot is yet to be published, while further recommendations from NHS England are incorporated, but the findings are expected to reflect the outstanding quality of care being provided to patients through hyper acute sickle cell units.
Itzi Atucha, Head of Nursing for Cancer Services, said: “I am extremely grateful for the support and leadership provided by ACS and the Medicine Division, Corporate Nursing, and particularly Juan Carrasco, Tullie, Dan, Justine, and Mike.
“Their commitment and vision have been instrumental in achieving such outstanding performance. Together, we have developed National Gold Standards for this service, and we are currently awaiting formal written confirmation.”
Reflecting on his nomination for Clinical Leader of the Year, Michael Barns said: “This nomination is a genuine honour, and one I want to share with everyone who has worked alongside me on the Acute Sickle Cell Unit (ASCU) project. Leadership in the NHS is about creating the conditions for good people to do their best work, and if this recognition does anything, I hope it shines a light on what clinical teams can achieve when they’re empowered to lead change themselves.”
Commenting further on ASCU’s nomination for the NHS Race Equality Award, Michael said: “Health inequalities are one of the biggest challenges facing the NHS, and this nomination is recognition that focused, patient-centred services like the Acute Sickle Cell Unit (ASCU) can make a tangible difference to patients’ lives. I’m incredibly proud of what the team has built, and prouder still that it’s being seen as a model for other Trusts across the country to replicate.”
This year’s HSJ Awards will take place on 19 November at Evolution London. We would like to congratulate the ASCU team and Michael Barns on being shortlisted and wishes them the best of luck at the ceremony.