Top honour for POT team

The Award recognises the efforts of the team, which is managed by Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust, to dramatically cut waiting times over the last six months.

In early 2004 there were over 200 children and young people on the service's waiting list, with some having to wait almost three years for an appointment.

Now, the waiting list had been reduced to 21 children and young people, with a longest wait of ten weeks .

The team works with children and young people who have difficulties with daily activities such as dressing skills, handwriting, using cutlery and playing. The majority of the children and young people referred find it hard to process information from their senses, which often leads to behavioural difficulties or results in co-ordination difficulties

The judges praised the "excellent work" by the team to cut the waiting lists and make the service more accessible. They were also impressed by the way attendance at appointments has improved with the team offering all under 5's appointments at home or in preschool and with a resource pack that has been developed to provide information and advice to children, young people, their parents and carers.

Sue Oliver, Head Paediatric Occupational Therapist, said: "To have cut the waiting lists so dramatically was a fantastic achievement, but to have that recognised by the Award is amazing. Our success is due to the hard work and dedication from all members of the team, and it now means we can see children and young people a lot more quickly and offer a more responsive service."