Two innovative schemes being delivered for NHS patients by Severn Wye have been shortlisted for a national health award. Warmth on Prescription and NHS Retrofit are finalists in the Health Service Journal Partnership Awards which recognise outstanding collaborations with the NHS.
Warmth on Prescription, run in partnership with NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and Gloucestershire County Council, supports referred patients with free energy advice, low-cost measures, and one-off financial support to help them stay warm and healthy at home over winter.
NHS Retrofit, funded by NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, provided up to £20,000 per property to install measures including insulation, solar PV, replacement windows and boilers, and batteries, to improve home energy efficiency and comfort over the long term.
The projects aim to improve physical and mental health outcomes for patients whose conditions are particularly affected by living in cold homes, and to save costs to the NHS and wider society by reducing clinical appointments and hospital stays.
Severn Wye’s Director of Energy Support, Claire Latham, said:
‘We’re delighted these projects have been recognised by HSJ for the benefits they have delivered, both to the physical and mental wellbeing of patients and in cost savings to the health service. This recognition also reflects the dedication of our teams, their expertise and relentless efforts on behalf of vulnerable patients in Gloucestershire.’
Last winter Warmth on Prescription patients reported 15% fewer clinical visits, 33% fewer visits to A&E and 38% fewer hospital stays. The 19 households supported through NHS Retrofit each saved an estimated £947 on average on their annual bills – a 67% reduction. And the Building Research Establishment’s Housing Health Cost Calculator puts cost savings to the NHS and wider society at an estimated £296,800 over the lifetime of the measures installed through the scheme.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council, said:
‘These innovative schemes show the power of partnership in tackling fuel poverty and improving health outcomes. By working together, we’re helping vulnerable residents stay warm and well, reducing pressure on our NHS and creating healthier homes for the long term. I’m proud that Gloucestershire is leading the way in delivering practical solutions that make a real difference to people’s lives.’
Dr Hein Le Roux, local GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NHS Gloucestershire, said:
‘I’m pleased to see this partnership recognised. Keeping homes warm keeps people well, and Warmth on Prescription and NHS Retrofit show how practical support can prevent illness and ease pressure on services. Our focus is stopping problems before they start and supporting people’s health and wellbeing every day. This is possible thanks to strong partnership working with Severn Wye and local teams. Patients tell us they feel more confident and supported through winter, which is exactly the impact we set out to achieve.’
Award winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 19 March 2026 at Evolution London.
