THE borough's hospital trust's has scooped a digital award.

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust's (WWL) has been handed the Judge's Award for Innovation for its staff intranet site in the 2019 Interact Excellence Awards.

The intranet, which is used to share information within the trust, was relaunched in February last year.

It was given a new look and name of Wally (WWALI – Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Intranet).

The site was developed following staff surveys.

Workers on Ward 3 of Leigh Infirmary also won a trust competition to design a mascot for the intranet, called Wally the Walrus.

Judge Simon Dance said: "WWL’s creative approach showed all-around creativity and vision that translated throughout the project.

“Their prioritisation of staff needs and feedback resonated with judges across a multitude of categories.”

The trust is working to keep on improving and developing Wally.

Staff engagement and organisational development manager Rachel Holden said: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and that the judges have recognised our creative and innovative approach to creating and designing Wally.

“We see Wally continuing to grow and improve with further input from staff as we take it to the next stages of its development.”

WWL was also finalists in the Best Launch category. During the launch of the intranet, information stands were set up across the hospital sites to introduce the new mascot, who appeared in banners, an animated video, a Meet Wally booklet and calendars.

Judge Elizabeth Lupfer added: “They took the intranet relaunch to an explosive level.

“The thoughtful approach to activation, launch and post-launch engagement is impressive – love the connection to online and offline vehicles and the creation of Wally – makes me want a Wally Walrus myself.”