South East London health hubs win national award

June 17, 2026

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

South East London health hubs have been recognised with a national award for their innovative approach to patient care.

South East London health hubs win national award

The South East London Women’s and Girls’ Health Hubs initiative has secured the ‘Patient Involvement and Choice Award’ at the inaugural NHS Excellence Awards. This award acknowledges the hubs' success in providing integrated healthcare services for women and girls.

The Lambeth hub, operating from Minnie Kidd House in Clapham and led by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, consolidates primary care and specialist services. This model allows patients to address multiple health concerns within a single appointment.

Since its inception in 2025, the hub has supported over 700 women and girls. The service has managed 860 referrals, with an average appointment wait time of approximately four weeks. This contrasts with the 14 to 17-week waiting periods typically experienced with hospital gynaecology services.

Focus on patient involvement and early intervention

Miss Salwa Idle, consultant gynaecologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Lead for the Lambeth hub, stated: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this new initiative that enables us to work with our partners to bring the care that women and girls’ want, closer to where they live.”

She added: “Our focus is on supporting early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect women and girls and preventing conditions from worsening or progressing. In doing so we can support all women and girls to enjoy the best possible health.”

Professor Eugene Oteng-Ntim, clinical director for women’s services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the co-production process. "When we set up this service, we engaged with local women and girls, and involved them in the co-production of the service," he said.

Professor Oteng-Ntim continued: "It has meant that we are now ready for the future and are in a position to best serve the needs of local women and girls, by delivering care in one convenient place, closer to home.”

The initiative draws expertise from across the South East London Integrated Care System, involving primary care, local council services, and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise partners.

In England, the NHS faces significant pressures on women's health services. National data indicates that waiting lists for gynaecology services have been a persistent challenge, with many trusts reporting extended delays. Initiatives like the South East London hubs aim to alleviate these pressures by offering more accessible and integrated care models. For instance, NHS England has committed to increasing investment in women's health, recognising the need for improved access and outcomes across the country.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION:

This report is based on official clinical data from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust.

Document: South East London Women’s and Girls’ Health Hubs wins national NHS Excellence Award

Source Link: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/news/south-east-london-womens-and-girls-health-hubs-wins-national-nhs-excellence-award

Author

South London News NHS and Wellbeing Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From the corridors of St Thomas' to pioneering local clinics, the South London News NHS & Wellbeing Desk offers comprehensive coverage of our healthcare system. Our editorial staff provide clinical updates, patient success stories, and service analysis, ensuring our readers stay connected to the medical milestones happening in their community.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between clinical data and the patient experience, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, authoritative perspective on the health of our city.