We are delighted to share that our Alfa CD solution, developed in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), has been shortlisted for two HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026.
The project has been named a finalist in the following categories:
- Digital Clinical Safety Initiative of the Year – recognising contributions to clinical safety through digital transformation
- Safety Improvement Through Technology Award – recognising the use of technology to support safer and more effective healthcare processes
The HSJ Patient Safety Awards recognise individuals, teams and organisations working to improve patient safety across health and care. Now in their 16th year, the awards celebrate initiatives making a difference to the safety and quality of healthcare.
Recognising our work with University Hospitals Birmingham
The two shortlist places reflect the work undertaken by UHB and Thula to transform controlled drug management across the Trust.
Developed through close collaboration with pharmacy, clinical and digital teams at UHB, Alfa CD is now in operational use across the Trust, supporting the move from paper-based controlled drug processes to a fully digital approach.
The shortlist follows the first stage of a two-stage judging process, with entries independently reviewed by judges from across the NHS and wider healthcare sector against defined criteria. As finalists, the Alfa CD project will now progress to Stage 2, where the team will present the project directly to the judging panels, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Adele McAllister, Thula’s UK Country Manager, shares:
“We are incredibly proud to see the Alfa project recognised in two categories at this year’s HSJ Patient Safety Awards. Our partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham has been central to developing Alfa CD for the UK, combining UHB’s clinical and pharmacy expertise with our technology to address the real challenges involved in controlled drug management.
To see that work recognised for both digital clinical safety and safety improvement through technology is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.”
You can learn more about Alfa CD and our work in controlled drug management on the Alfa CD product page.
Looking ahead to the next stage
The Alfa CD project will progress to Stage 2 judging in July, with both shortlisted categories being presented to the judging panels on 20 July.
The winners will then be announced at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards ceremony on Monday 28 September 2026 at the Telford International Centre.
Reaching the final stage in two categories is an important milestone for Alfa CD and everyone who has contributed to the project. We look forward to taking the next step alongside our colleagues and partners at University Hospitals Birmingham.
