News
HSJ awards shortlist for HMP Rochester
We’re delighted to announce that Oxleas has been shortlisted in the HSJ Awards 2026, recognising outstanding contributions to healthcare.
Following a rigorous judging process, our ‘Embedding Sustainable Change after Inspection using a Value Management Approach’ project at HMP Rochester has been shortlisted in the Performance Recovery Award category.
Following a CQC inspection in December 2025, which highlighted some concerns in care, governance and staffing, a value management approach was introduced. It has since delivered sustained improvements including reductions in missed medications and no-access visits, alongside significant improvements in patient experience.
More than 1,300 entries were received for this year’s awards, with just 231 projects and individuals making the shortlist. Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony later this year.
Vicky Woods, Director of Quality, said:
Being shortlisted for this award is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the dedication, resilience and innovation of our teams. Delivering healthcare within a prison environment presents unique and significant challenges, making this recognition particularly meaningful.
The improvements achieved at HMP Rochester demonstrate what can be accomplished through collaborative leadership, a relentless focus on quality, and a commitment to sustainable change for the people in our care.
Media enquiries
The communications team provides a point of contact for journalists to respond to all media enquiries.
We are happy to help journalists represent the trust accurately, so please do get in touch to ensure your facts and information are up-to-date before publishing your story.
Our media team is responsible for:
- Responding to media queries
- Arranging interviews with our nationally and internationally renowned experts who can talk about some of the trust’s specialist topics
For all media enquiries Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, please email oxl-tr.communications@nhs.net where a member of the team will review and action your request.
If you have an urgent enquiry outside of office hours or at the weekend, please contact our director on call via the Bracton Centre switchboard on 01322 294300.
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We receive documentary, location and broadcast filming requests on a regular basis – we consider all proposals on an individual basis and will try to accommodate proposals where possible, if appropriate.
No photography or filming is permitted without prior arrangement and agreement. Our patients always come first and we have a duty to protect their safety and confidentiality. Anyone found filming or taking photographs on the trust premises without the permission of the trust’s communications team will be asked to leave by the security department and may face prosecution.
Unless agreed otherwise, film crews and photographers must be accompanied by a member of the Communications Team at all times.
Contact: oxl-tr.communications@nhs.net
