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An innovative approach to gathering information for patient care research – using a converted black-cab taxi – has won an NHS award.

Over the summer a taxi, converted to house a Big Brother-style diary room, hit the streets of Bolton. Patients were invited to jump in and leave their comments on how they were treated.

Behind the research project to collect feedback on the work of Orthopaedic Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services were Sue Greenhalgh, consultant physiotherapist from NHS Bolton and Carole Truman, Professor of Health and Community Studies who was academic director for the project . Ian Harrison and Mark Gallamore  from HSS provided technical support for the editing of the video material

Said Professor Carole Truman of the University of Bolton: 'The idea was that in the back of a cab setting patients would be more relaxed, more forthcoming and relaxed in answering questions. As we all know, that's where taxi drivers, of course hear all their incredible stories.

'The patients were videoed and we are using their short films to get a fresh insight into how services could develop.'

The scheme won a joint-first Patient Experience award at NHS Bolton's recent Diamond Care awards.

The judges, David Fillingham, Chief Executive of Royal Bolton Hospital, Tim Evans, Chief Executive of NHS Bolton, and John Dean, Medical and Quality Improvement Director at NHS Bolton, agreed that all the shortlisted projects were impressive and picking the winners was extremely difficult. In fact in they awarded two prizes in one of the categories.

Pam Senior, Chair of NHS Bolton, said she felt proud to be involved in a local health and care services which could present so many examples of excellence. 'We have a lot of fantastic, dedicated and committed people working here, doing an amazing job for the people of Bolton. Recognising their achievements through these awards helps us learn from each other and share this good work.

Pictured: Diamond award winners - Prof Truman is pictured far right