Two innovative schemes being delivered for NHS patients by Gloucester-based charity Severn Wye have won a national health award.
Warmth on Prescription and NHS Retrofit have won ‘best not for profit partnership with the NHS’ at the Health Service Journal Partnership Awards which recognise outstanding collaborations with the NHS.
Both projects aim to improve physical and mental health outcomes for patients whose chronic health 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.
Delivered in partnership with NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Gloucestershire County Council, Warmth on Prescription is an innovative acute-support programme. NHS clinicians refer eligible patients for free energy advice, low-cost measures and one-off financial support to help them stay warm and healthy at home over winter.
The scheme highlighted the need for more comprehensive improvement to patients’ homes which could address the energy efficiency of the properties to achieve better health outcomes and cost savings over the longer term. Severn Wye added their impartial home retrofit expertise to the mix and, with funding from NHS Gloucestershire ICB, created ‘NHS Retrofit’.
With up to £20,000 available per property to install measures including insulation, solar PV, replacement windows and boilers, and batteries, the scheme will keep patients warmer and more secure at home for years to come.
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.
Severn Wye’s Director of Energy Support, Claire Latham, said:
‘‘We’re delighted these important projects have been recognised. Keeping patients warm and safe at home translates to better physical and mental wellbeing and cost savings to the health service – the work has huge potential. I’m proud of the dedication of our teams and relentless efforts on behalf of vulnerable patients in Gloucestershire.’
Severn Wye’s Director of Energy Services, Allison Cawley, said:
‘Bringing our impartial energy efficiency retrofit to this work enabled us to bring sustainable, long-term benefits to patients. The strength of our collaboration in Gloucestershire means the concept of home energy efficiency as a treatment for chronic ill-health is embedded in the county.’
Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, cabinet member for Adult Support & Independence, Gloucestershire County Council, said:
‘I’m delighted that the power of this collaboration has been recognised through the HSJ Partnership Award. By working together, we’re supporting vulnerable residents, reducing pressure on our NHS, and helping people to stay healthy and independent in their own homes. 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, NH S Gloucestershire, said:
‘These awards recognise the crucial importance of working together to treat patient’s homes as a source of ill-health, stopping problems before they start. Thanks to a strong partnership with Severn Wye and local teams, patients tell us they feel more confident and supported through winter, and I’m delighted this impact is being celebrated.’
As a national winner from one of the 25 partnership categories, Severn Wye goes forward to the HSJ Partnership of the Year award. Judging takes place in October and the awards are announced in November 2026.
