Two Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust occupational therapists are cooking up an award- winning recipe for care success at Withybush Hospital. Hayley Vaughan and Holly Kenyon have pioneered a 'cook your own meal' therapy group to teach patients on Withybush Hospital's St. Caradog ward independent living skills such as planning, budgeting, shopping and food preparation and social skills such as co-operation, skill-sharing and responsibility. Now, their initiative has been short-listed for a prestigious UK award designed to recognise innovation in patient care, showcase new ways of working and encourage team and partnership working. Their project is one of three chosen from more than 300 entries across the UK for an Allied Health Professionals and Healthcare Scientists Award in the 'Innovation In Patient Care' category. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in London today (Friday) in the presence of leading figures from the healthcare world. Said Haverfordwest-born Hayley Vaughan and Holly Kenyon, of Carmarthen: "We are absolutely delighted that this patient-led project has been recognised in this way. The initiative evolved out of a need to motivate patients on the adult mental health ward to take part in everyday skill activities such as household management, leisure and socialising. This raises self-esteem and empowers independence, reducing inpatient stays and leading to more successful discharge and reintegration into the community." The project set out to encourage individual patients to choose, plan, shop for and cook their own evening meal. However, it quickly evolved into a larger session, with some patients cooking for everyone on the ward, sometimes to Mexican or Chinese themes. A 'breakfast' group was formed to allow patients to prepare cereal, toast or a full- cooked breakfast. From initial attendance of just a few patients, the project quickly grew to up to 10 attendances in one session. To facilitate sessions, Holly and Hayley have had to split their shifts. Said Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust chief executive Keith Thomson: "This initiative is a fantastic example of the good work going on across the Trust to innovate and improve patient care. Its success is due solely to the commitment of Hayley and Holly and I would like to congratulate them for a key contribution in the drive to modernise mental health services and recognise best practice."