23 April 2009
Four applicants from University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation
Trust, have been shortlisted in the South West Health and Social
Care Awards. These awards recognise and celebrate innovation and
excellence across health and social care.
A paediatric early warning tool, developed and evaluated by
Caroline Haines, Nurse Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at
the Trusts Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC), is in line
for the 'Patient Safety award' award.
A physiologically based system for identifying acutely ill
children in hospital, the tool was designed and trialled over a
six-month period within the BRHC. Following completion of the
research study, the tool was modified to improve its
effectiveness.
Caroline says: This observational study has produced a clinical
and physiological based system for the identification of acutely
ill children in ward areas. Since we developed it, the tool
has been rolled out in many hospitals across the country.
Management of the roll out of the Productive Ward Programme
across the Trusts hospitals has also reached the finals in the
Adopt, Adapt and Improve category.
The productive ward approach gives nurses and therapists more
time to spend with patients by streamlining systems and processes
used on wards. Sue Jones, the lead nurse for the project, says: By
promoting a productive culture within the ward staff, the program
has improved care for patients.
An innovative system to help children manage the distressing
problem of faecal incontinence secondary to gastroenterology work
has also been shortlisted the Innovative Acute Care section.
Claire Bohr, the Trusts Paediatric Stoma Care Nurse, introduced
an innovative bowel management programme for children promoting
continence and independence by teaching them to independently
perform rectal irrigation. To do this, she adapted for paediatric
use a new irrigation system originally intended for adults.
Claire says: A small percentage of children and their families
were suffering both physically and emotionally from this
problem. This system is improving the quality of life for
patients. It has prevented them from having to undergo a
surgical procedure and has given them back their confidence to join
in with others and to be included in normal childhood
activities.
The Gynaecology Lean Improvement Programme is also in the
running for Improving the Patient Experience category. The
programme aims to improve the care of patients with diagnosed or
suspected endometrial cancer by reducing waiting times, giving
patients the ability to book surgery times and reducing the amount
of time that patients wait for their results.
Dr Joanne Bailey, Lead Consultant for the programme introduced
at the Trusts Gynaecological Cancer Centre at St Michaels Hospital
says: This approach streamlines the care pathway to improve the
patient experience and improves the working environment.
Irene Scott, Chief Operating Officer for the Trust, says: Its
fantastic that the innovative and excellent work of our staff has
been recognised. Their dedication ensures that our patients receive
some of the most advanced care in the country.
The regional winners will be decided at an event in Yeovil in
May 2009. These will then undergo a rigorous judging process by a
national panel of experts in the fields of quality, improvement and
innovation, headed by David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive. The
panel will select two national finalists and a national winner for
each award category.
The judging will culminate in a high profile national awards
ceremony for all national finalists in London in July
2009.
-ends-
Media contact:
Helen Jackson, please email helen.jackson@uhbristol.nhs.uk
or call 0117 342 3629
