RECOGNITION: From left, Karen Watkins, Professor Mike Crooks and Kayleigh Brindle of the FRONTIER Team
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
An award-winning team identifying people in Hull with undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been shortlisted for another national award.
The Respiratory team at Castle Hill Hospital has been nominated for the Parliamentarian’s Choice Award at the inaugural Parliamentary Pathfinder NHS Innovation Adoption Awards 2026.
Thanks to a collaborative working agreement with Chiesi Ltd, the nomination recognises the FRONTIER project led by respiratory nurse specialists Karen Watkins and Kayleigh Brindle and respiratory consultant, Professor Michael Crooks.
The team uses lung cancer screening to identify people at high risk of undiagnosed COPD, inviting around 1,100 for rapid assessment. In just three years, COPD has been diagnosed in 576 people, many of whom had been struggling without treatment despite debilitating symptoms.
Innovation programme anager Nick Deayton said: “The project offers patients rapid access to diagnosis, treatment and support in one visit. We offer immediate clinical review, alongside support to stop smoking and referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation, if that’s appropriate.
“By finding COPD earlier, we start care sooner. It means we can focus on early intervention and achieve a better quality of life for people rather than just reacting once they become seriously unwell.”
FRONTIER’s success has already secured national recognition, being highlighted in Parliament as good practice last year and winning a prestigious Excellence in Patient Care award from the Royal College of Physicians earlier this year.
The Parliamentarian’s Choice Award recognises innovation with national significance, policy relevance or public benefit. The awards ceremony will be held in London on Monday, November 16.