A RUNCORN man with cerebral palsy has won a prestigious award for coming up with novel ways to improve the way healthcare is delivered in Halton.

The 23-year-old was presented with an innovation champion awards, sponsored by the Innovation Agency at the North West Adult Learners’ Week Awards for Health and Care.

The event, led by Health Education England in the North West, celebrates lifelong learning in all sectors involved in health care.

Owen was recognised for influencing the design of a new urgent care centre and producing easy-read information leaflets.

He beat 70 applicants to win his first job as an admin assistant in the communications and engagement team at NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group.

Having spent a year on work experience with the team he impressed everyone with his ideas and enthusiasm.

His manager Des Chow said: “Owen has brought a different feel and culture change.

“The importance has been brought to the fore as we are including all disabilities and other vulnerable group issues to the way we engage, plan and commission.

“Commissioners always come to him for advice and guidance on approaching, engaging and empowering the public and vulnerable.

“He is very bright and very ambitious and is aiming to be a barrister or MP.

“I have no doubt he will go far and the world is his oyster.”

Owen, who speaks with the help of a Tobii – similar to Stephen Hawkins – said: “The participation and engagement with people who are classified as vulnerable is the most important function of a CCG.

“This is because for some people with disabilities like learning disabilities, change is difficult, which causes nervousness.

“There is frustration with the system caused by the fact that the majority of the time disabled people have the solutions but can’t be heard.

“For example a patient will know where there are defects with the system and this is knowledge which could have a tremendous benefit to the NHS as a whole."