The innovative approach of the Emergency Department Navigator programme at Hull Royal Infirmary has garnered national and regional acclaim. The programme is currently a finalist for the Innovation Award at the Hull & East Yorkshire Business Awards, scheduled for 19 November. Additionally, the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership has been nominated for Team of the Year. These accolades follow previous recognition at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards.
Further recognition has been given to Karen Harrison, Deputy Head of Safeguarding at NHS Humber Health Partnership. She has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Impact Award at the Women of Achievement Awards 2026 on 13 November for her instrumental role in establishing the service.
Developed in collaboration with the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership, the service integrates specialist Navigators within the emergency and safeguarding teams at Hull Royal Infirmary. These Navigators provide support to individuals aged 11 to 35 who have experienced incidents such as knife crime, domestic abuse, and sexual assault.
The Navigators leverage the period immediately following an incident as a critical "reachable moment", fostering relationships with patients and connecting them with comprehensive support services. This includes assistance with mental health, housing, safeguarding, education, and other essential needs.
“"It’s all quite surreal. I had no idea I had been nominated until I received an email. The Navigator service has become a real success, but it is a total team effort. I might have helped set it up, but they are the ones making it work. They build relationships with people at what can be an incredibly traumatic time and make sure they get the support they need, whether that is safeguarding, mental health, education or practical help."
Since January 2025, the service has managed over 700 violence-related presentations and directly supported more than 76 individuals. It has also enhanced the collection of data crucial for understanding and preventing violence across the region. This latest recognition underscores the programme's growing reputation as a model for effective collaboration between the NHS, policing, and community organisations in violence prevention and support extending beyond hospital services.
