Two inspirational patient champions who have helped improve national understanding of medication reviews for people with learning disabilities have won prestigious acclaim.
Ann Marie and Barry were presented with the community and collaboration award for their work at the National Lived Experience Awards this month – to huge delight.
The award praised their support of our Durham and Teesside-based STOMP campaign – which challenges the over-prescribing of antipsychotic medicine.
Patient Ann Marie, 37, from Stockton said: “My own STOMP medication review changed my life. I was a bit worried at first, but my life has changed for the better.
“I feel like a new person, and I really want others to benefit as well. It’s like a dream to be able to spread the message about STOMP and get the word out to everyone.”
People’s care at heart of pioneering project
Ann Marie and Barry have spent the past two years working alongside our Trust colleagues, Skills for People and healthcare partners on the STOMP project.
Their work has included co-creating accessible resources and campaign videos, as well as working with trainee pharmacists to improve national understanding of patient-centred care.
Together, they have helped to ensure that dozens of people have received the right medication, at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible time.
“When I found out we’d won the Lived Experience award it was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I’m still absolutely buzzing,” said Ann Marie.
“Working with the STOMP team has been amazing. I feel like a new person. My life has changed for the better and it can help to change the lives of other people too.”
Working together to help others
An estimated 35,000 adults with a learning disability, autism or both are taking prescribed antipsychotics daily without a diagnosis of serious mental illness.
Long-term use of these drugs can lead to serious health issues – so STOMP is working with pharmacists to review and reduce medication, when safe to do so.
“STOMP is amazing. We are so passionate about it,” said advanced nurse Sue Sargeant, who pioneered the project with primary care liaison nurse Claire Donnelly.
“Word about STOMP is really starting to spread. We are delighted that our project, and the hard work of Ann Marie and Barry, has been recognised with this award.
“STOMP is a fully co-created project, with patient voice at its heart. It is all about improving quality of life, and we’ve many positive changes since it launched.”
- Read more about our STOMP project on our website here: STOMP – Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust
