Sheffield consultant Professor Alan Lobo has been shortlisted for the “Exceptional Clinical Leader” award in the prestigious national Health Service Journal Awards. As a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield, he is recognised for his transformative leadership and dedication to patient-centred care.
Professor Lobo led the AWARE-IBD study, a three-year programme funded by the Health Foundation’s Common Ambition initiative. The study placed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at the centre of NHS service redesign, developing tools and care pathways shaped directly by those living with the condition. The initiative included educational resources, personalised care plans, and rapid access clinics, improving patient quality of life, reducing hospital admissions, and ensuring timely care for suspected flare-ups.
Central to the project’s success was embedding the lived experiences of patients into service design. A Patient Reported Experience Measure was co-produced with patients, mapped to national standards, to capture real-time feedback on care. Professor Lobo also prioritised collaboration with underserved communities, including ethnic minorities, women’s groups, and disadvantaged populations, addressing barriers such as language, literacy, self-advocacy, and cultural awareness.
One in 123 people in the UK live with IBD, a chronic condition affecting the digestive system and beyond. Professor Lobo commented: “I am humbled and honoured to have been nominated for this prestigious national healthcare award. Putting patients at the heart of care is central to improving the everyday lives of those living with inflammatory bowel disease. I am especially proud that, led by patients, we have sought to treat the person rather than the patient, driven by what most matters to them. Our work with underserved communities has given greater voice to people who are disproportionately more likely to be admitted to hospital because of their condition.”
Marianne Radcliffe, CEO of Crohn’s & Colitis UK, praised his achievements: “Building partnerships and embedding patient voice in NHS services requires leadership. Alan has used his leadership to move from aspiration to reality. Through ambition, listening and perseverance, he has demonstrated what can be achieved in partnership and across the NHS.”
Winners of the Health Service Journal Awards will be announced in London on Thursday, 20th November.
