A Dragons' Den-style competition has helped to get a sexual health service on the road.

The Dorset Working Women’s Project – which provides sexual health services to vulnerable people across the county – was one of the big winners at Dorset HealthCare’s Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM).

Team members successfully bid for £5,326 for a van to deliver mobile outreach services – including contraceptives, health testing, advice and support – to young people, sex workers and others at risk of harm and exploitation.

The idea was one of two winners in the Trust’s Dragons’ Den staff innovation competition to find new ways of improving patient care.

More than 2,000 staff and members of the public voted for their favourite proposals, and the top five were pitched to a panel of expert ‘Dragons’ at The Lighthouse in Poole.

Judges made a further £700 available for a plan to provide St John’s Ambulance first aid training to 70 local young people with mental health issues.

The judging panel was led by Andy Willis, Chair of Dorset HealthCare, who said: “Once again, staff put forward some brilliant ideas to improve services and benefit local people, and it was a very difficult task to choose.

“The two winners are fantastic projects which will make a real, practical difference to people’s lives.”

The Dragons’ Den was part of a busy programme of events during the day, which celebrated this year’s 70th anniversary of the NHS and culminated with the Trust’s annual staff Heroes Awards.

Patients, carers and fellow staff nominated people across the whole range of physical and mental health services provided in community or inpatient settings by Dorset HealthCare.

Other winners included John Wales, health care support 'bank' worker. He regularly provides last-minute staffing cover at sites around the county, where his relaxed nature and good humour helps to generate a calm, supportive atmosphere.

Team of the year was The Learning Disability Physiotherapy Service, whose members have worked to recognise each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and share their knowledge and experience to raise standards.

The Looked After Children Health Team won the Better Every Day Award.