An innovative community interest company that works with GP practices across South Powys to provide cost-effective and innovative health solutions was recognised at the Powys Business Awards.

Red Kite Health Solutions CIC, which has multiple offices across South Powys, won a Judges’ Special Award, sponsored by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), at the drive-in awards ceremony in Newtown on Friday night.

Organised by MWMG, Powys Business Awards showcase business excellence across the county.

Sian Jones, business development manager for Red Kite Health Solutions CIC, said:

“We are totally shocked to win this award but absolutely thrilled for the team. It makes all the hard work worthwhile in our aim to improve the health and wellbeing of the population of South Powys and doing things a little bit differently.

“It’s great to see the range of businesses here tonight representing Powys.”

Established in 2015, Red Kite Health Solutions CIC has 12 employees, including 10 pharmacy professionals, who deliver health and wellbeing services to the people of South Powys.

The company comprises 43 GPs, four of whom are directors, who work together to care for over 46,000 patients across South Powys.

As the only current CIC of its type, Red Kite has developed an innovative approach to improve access, quality services and outcomes for patients, including those vulnerable and impacted by COVID-19.

The company, which has developed a range of award-winning services and initiatives, collaborates closely with Powys Teaching Health Board, communities and the voluntary sector. It holds the only Alternative Provider of Medical Services (APMS) contract in Wales.

Its team of pharmacy professionals provides services including medicines reconciliation, patient, GP and secondary care advice, chronic disease management and COVID/flu vaccinations. To date, they have made more than £1.2 million savings on NHS drugs and saved GPs more than 71,000 actions.

A finalist at the 2018 NHS Awards for developing a sustainable workforce, Red Kite won the Royal College of General Practitioners Cluster Innovation Award and the Bright Ideas award for developing a sustainable workforce through a CIC model in 2019.

Powys Business Awards judges described Red Kite Health Solutions CIC as “unique, ground-breaking and inspirational” and said they were impressed by its “incredible potential for good”.

“A relatively simple business model has been a game-changer in the provision of efficient and effective health services in South Powys, cutting waiting times, getting people to the practitioner they really need, saving GP time, identifying urgent cases and incidentally saving the NHS millions,” they added.

“The enthusiasm and commitment of the team was amazing and probably a key reason for its success. It is a replicable model which could be implemented across the UK with high impact for all of us.”