9th October 2025
Two Southern Health and Social Care Trust projects have been shortlisted for the European Social Services Awards 2025 for making health and social care more accessible, inclusive, and equitable to everyone.
The first project, ‘Tackling Language Barriers in Health and Social Care’, has been shortlisted in the Digital Transformation and Technology in Social Services award category. As part of this project, handheld translation devices were piloted in Craigavon and Daisy Hill Emergency Departments, as well as in GP practices across the Trust. These devices can translate up to 108 languages in real time and have helped improve communication between staff and patients who do not speak English, particularly important given the diverse population across the Southern Trust area when interpreters are unavailable.
This was the first time this technology has been used in Northern Ireland’s health and social care sector.
The second project, ‘Cultural Competency Framework for Health and Social Care’, has been nominated for the Strengthening Communities and Social Inclusion Award. Developed collaboratively across Northern Ireland health and social care Trusts, the framework enables staff to engage effectively with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Supported by training and resources, including the ‘Little Book of Cultural Competence’, it promotes equitable and inclusive care while enhancing patient experiences across the region.
Robbie McCague
Robbie McCague, Inequalities and Inclusion Co-ordinator for the Trust, said:
“We know that language barriers, cultural differences, and limited knowledge of services continue to create challenges for many ethnic communities in accessing health and social care.
“We are delighted that these projects have been recognised at a European level. Being shortlisted highlights the Trust’s commitment to making health and social care more accessible.”
Martina McAloon
Martina McAloon the Multi-Disciplinary Teams in Primary Care Social Work Lead added:
“The translation devices have been a great addition as they have allowed the initial consultation to proceed rather than cancelling the appointment, ensuring the best use of staff time and health and social care resources, and that we can offer more timely care with a better overall patient experience.”
Gerard Rocks, Assistant Director for Promoting Wellbeing, said:
“This is part of our Vision and Strategy 2030 as we grow to be a learning organisation and continue to invest in digital innovation to improve patient care and deliver better outcomes, as well as providing ongoing training for staff.
“Our commitment is to ensure that everyone in our community can access high-quality health and social care.”
Online public votes count for 15 per cent of each project’s final score. Voting opens on 1st October 2025, closes on 24th October 2025. You can vote for the two Southern Trust shortlisted projects below:
Public Voting for the 2025 European Social Services Awards! Survey