McCann, Saatchi, S+H, Ursa Clemenger and Ward 6 shortlisted at UK’s IPA Best of Health Awards

Ninety-six entries from 28 agencies have been shortlisted for the esteemed 2011 Institute of Practitioners in Advertising’s Best of Health Awards which reward the best creative work in healthcare across 22 categories including press, out-of-home, direct, online and international.

In total there were 375 entries for the competition from 61 agencies, up significantly on last year’s 334 entries from 50 agencies.

There are nine international shortlisted agencies including five from Australia, all Sydney-based: McCann Healthcare, Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare, Sudler & Hennessey, Ursa Clemenger and Ward 6.

Steve Stretton (left), founding partner, Archibald Ingall Stretton and chairman of judges, and Frank Walters, non-executive chairman, Frontera London and Convenor of Judges for the 2011 IPA Best of Health Awards, oversaw the rigorous judging process.

Says Stretton: “Achieving stand out in the marketplace is becoming increasingly tough, which is why praise must be heaped upon all those shortlisted. As American psychologist Rollo May said, “Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being… creativity requires passion and commitment. It brings to our awareness what was previously hidden and points to new life,” which is precisely what these shortlisted entries have demonstrated to great effect. Congratulations to all of these successful agencies.”

Says Walters: “Having poured over all 375 submissions, I am reinvigorated by the standard of work that the healthcare sector is creating, particularly in the healthcare professional arena, and am delighted that these agencies are entering the Best of Health Awards to receive the praise they so deserve.”

Category winners, including the two ‘Best in Show’ awards; one for the healthcare sector and one for the consumer sector, will be revealed at the 2011 IPA Best of Health Awards Ceremony and Party at the glamorous European restaurant Quaglino’s in Mayfair on 30th June. The creative work will be displayed at the Awards night and in a supplement. The results will also be posted on bestofhealthawards.co.uk