11 May 2009
A Consultant Nurse in Paediatric Intensive Care at Bristol Royal
Hospital for Children (BRHC) part of University Hospitals Bristol
NHS Foundation Trust, has been recognised for her work on patient
safety in the South West Health and Social Care Awards. These
awards recognise and celebrate innovation and excellence across
health and social care.
Caroline Haines has developed a paediatric early warning tool, 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. Early identification of children in
need of enhanced levels of care when they are admitted to hospital
is essential to ensure that they receive the correct treatment.
Since it was developed, the tool has been rolled out in many
hospitals across the country.
I am delighted to have won this award and hope that the tool
will be taken up by more hospitals to save the lives of many more
children.
Chief Executive of the Trust, Dr Graham Rich, says: "We are
always looking for ways to improve our patient safety and this is
an excellent example of how our staff are leading the way in this
field.
Caroline and her team are now in the running for the national
Health and Social Care Awards.
-ENDS-
Press contact: Helen Jackson, call 0117 342 3629 or email Helen.jacksonh@uhbristol.nhs.uk
