Home Local News ‘Remarkable’ councillor in the running for national award

‘Remarkable’ councillor in the running for national award

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Councillor Marlene Quinn has been nominated for a Health and Care Award for her commitment to support the most vulnerable people of the borough

A senior St Helens Councillor has been shortlisted for a national award.

Councillor Marlene Quinn, who represents the West Park ward – has been nominated for a Health and Care Award at the LGiU and CCLA’s C’llr Achievement Awards for her commitment to support the most vulnerable people of the borough.

The award acknowledges councillors who have pioneered new ways of approaching health and care provision to support residents in this area for which demand continues to rise, despite budgets getting tighter.

Having held the position as St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care for the past three-years, Councillor Quinn has been has been instrumental in the award-winning St Helens Cares initiative which has been launched by St Helens Council and health partners to support people to live well, with a focus on preventing the need for health and social care by supporting people to remain independent for as long as possible.

As lead Cabinet Member, Councillor Quinn has been proactive in campaigning for this new approach, through both the council’s decision making processes and external partners, and secured a collaborative partner’s contribution of £1.6m in investment to delivery this programme.

Working alongside the strategic leadership of the People’s Board, she has developed a comprehensive and dynamic blueprint for St Helens Cares.

The St Helens model – which could save residents in St Helens £80m by 2020 – is unique as it also includes services and support such as housing, education and arts and culture.

One of the key elements to St Helens Cares is the development of a Shared Care Record for each resident in the borough which gives health and care professionals an overview of the patient’s health and care record, including GP appointments, medication and hospital referrals.

This reduces the need for patients to repeat information, giving clinicians the full picture when treating patients – especially in emergency situations where understanding the full history of a person is vital.

St Helens Cares beat two cities and a strong shortlist to top the Care and Health Integration category the Municipal Journal (MJ) Achievement Awards 2018 in London back in June.

Councillor Quinn said: “It’s obviously very pleasing to be nominated for this prestigious award but the main reward, of course, is the satisfaction of knowing that I am contributing to the ground-breaking work that’s going on here to improve the lives of people in St Helens.

“As a council, the health and wellbeing of all our residents is of paramount importance – and as cabinet lead for adult social care, I will do everything in my power to ensure that we best meet the needs of local people.”

Council Leader Derek Long said: “Marlene is a truly remarkable person who gives generously of her time and energy for others.

“In response to the unprecedented challenges within the Adult and Social Care sector, Marlene has not been afraid to challenge the status quo, to take brave and innovative decisions and to proactively champion new ways, putting residents and patients at the heart of all that she does.

“Her strengths centre on her passion for supporting people who are most in need. She has been a true ambassador for the vulnerable community of St Helens in both her personal and political life.”

The winner of the Health and Care Award will be announced on Tuesday 6 November at the LGiU and CCLA’s C’llr Achievement Awards ceremony at the Guildhall, London.

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