Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies wins prestigious HSJ Award for excellence in healthcare

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to announce that their Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies service has been named winner of the Digitising Patient Care Award category at the 2025 HSJ Awards, one of the healthcare sector’s most prestigious accolades.

The awards ceremony took place in November at Evolution London, hosted by comedian Rob Brydon and attended by 1700+ healthcare professionals from across the UK. Now in its 45th year, the HSJ Awards celebrates outstanding achievements in health and social care, recognising teams and individuals who are driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.

National recognition for healthcare excellence

This year’s competition was strong, with 1,250 entries received, and 246 organisations, projects, and individuals shortlisted. Following two rigorous rounds of judging by a panel of more than 200 respected healthcare leaders, Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies emerged as the winner in its category.

All entries were assessed against five key criteria: ambition, outcome, spread, value, and stakeholder involvement. The awards featured 27 categories.

About the winning project

Bradford District Care Foundation Trust has digitally transformed its Talking Therapies services by introducing AI-powered tools from Limbic to increase access, personalise care and optimise clinical capacity. The Trust implemented an interoperable self-referral chatbot and care companion app that were co-designed with staff. These tools have streamlined triage processes, reduced wait times and improved engagement – particularly among people who needed support most.

The solution has delivered significant benefits, saving nearly 1,000 clinical hours while reducing inappropriate referrals and improving the quality and consistency of care. This initiative demonstrates how strategic digital partnerships and AI integration can enhance mental health pathways, empower patients, and support staff in delivering more responsive, patient-centred care.

Naomi Holdsworth, Operations Service Manager at Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies said: “This is an incredible honour. To be recognised among such outstanding competition is truly humbling. Winning an HSJ Award sends positive ‘ripples’ throughout our Trust and, we hope, will inspire colleagues across the sector to share their own innovative work.

“This recognition reflects our team’s dedication, and we will continue to strive for excellence in patient care. We’re grateful to the HSJ Awards for this platform to celebrate meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery.”

Alastair McLellan, Editor of the Health Service Journal, commented: “The calibre of entries this year has been exceptional, making for some difficult decisions for our judging panel. Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies stood out as a truly worthy winner in the Digitising Patient Care Award category.

“For over four decades, the HSJ Awards have recognised the dedication and innovation of those working in and with the NHS. These awards remain truly inclusive, welcoming entries from all corners of the service, from trusts to primary care teams, public health to the voluntary sector.

“Every finalist receives valuable feedback that can be taken back to improve their services. Congratulations to Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies and welcome to our growing family of HSJ Awards winners.”

The full list of Winners and those Highly Commended for the 2025 HSJ Awards can be found at: awards.hsj.co.uk/winners-2025.

Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies  service is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven. People don’t have to go through their GP to access support. People accessing support can register online at: www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk 

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.