MEDICS in Derby who developed the first system of its kind in the UK to identify seriously-ill kidney patients are in the running for an award.
And it is one of five national awards for which the city's hospitals trust has been shortlisted.
The awards fall across two competitions – the Patient Safety Awards, which recognise the best ideas for keeping patients safe, and the Care Integration Awards, looking for examples of high-quality and seamless care.
Derby hospitals trust chief executive Sue James said: "I am delighted that our focus on patient safety and experience, which has extended throughout our hospitals, is being recognised nationally.
"This is a tremendous achievement to be shortlisted five times in these major awards.
For the safety awards, Derby's hospitals have been shortlisted in the patient safety in diagnosis category because of its system for identifying patients whose kidneys are failing.
It was created so such patients could be identified as early as possible and could then be treated before they develop a chronic or life-threatening disease.
The system works electronically, with results of different kidney tests lined up alongside each other so doctors have a better chance of spotting problems.
It has already won the national Bupa Foundation Technology for Healthy Outcomes Prize, which came with a £15,000 grant.
And, in the same set of awards, the hospitals trust has also been shortlisted in the improving safety in medicines management category.
It was put forward because of its work in introducing the electronic prescribing of medicines.
For the Care Integration Awards, the trust has been shortlisted for two awards in the diabetes care category.
It has also been named as a finalist in the women's health category for its Proceeds project, which offers pre-conception care for women with diabetes.
Organisers of both sets of awards said this year's ceremonies were particularly important as winning ideas should be shared to improve the NHS in the wake of the Francis Report.
Mrs James said: "Being shortlisted shows how seriously our senior clinical staff take patient safety and experience."
The awards ceremonies will both take place in London on July 9.
