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GIRFT mental health assessment tool shortlisted for national innovation award

An assessment tool used by the GIRFT mental health team to support improvements in the quality, safety and equity of crisis care has been shortlisted for a prize at the upcoming HSJ Awards.
 
The Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Mental Health System Assessment Tool (Men-SAT) applies a whole system approach to improvement, bringing patients, clinicians, commissioners, providers and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) partners together to consider an evidence-based view of their system risks, performance and variation.
 
Used across 14 Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to date, the programme turns insight into improvement priorities, stronger governance and accountability, and safer, more person-centred care.
 
The tool, which was developed by the former Mental Health Improvement Support Team (MHIST) before MHIST was merged into GIRFT in 2025, has now been nominated for an HSJ Award in the category of Mental Health Innovation of the Year.
 
The winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at Evolution London on 19th November 2026.

Paul Hopley, deputy director of the GIRFT Mental Health team, said: 

“We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award, which is a huge boost for our dedicated and hard-working team but, more importantly, for the operational staff in the trusts we have worked with, who used their expertise to implement the positive changes.

Whatever the result, we already feel like winners for getting this far. We look forward to showcasing everything we’ve learned through implementing the Men-SAT project, alongside the mental health providers who have implemented it on the ground for the benefit of their patients."

Paul Hopley Tweet

More than 1,300 entries were received for this year’s HSJ Awards, with 231 projects and individuals reaching the final shortlist.   

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan said:

“It’s important to remember that the HSJ Awards are not just a celebration of success stories but also a platform to shape the future of the NHS."

Alastair McLellan Tweet

The full list of nominees for the 2026 HSJ awards can be found here: HSJ Awards 2026 shortlist

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