NHS staff are on awards shortlist
STAFF at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have been shortlisted in two separate categories for national awards recognising their work to improve patient safety at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Wendy Oakes, specialist nurse for acute kidney injury at the hospital, is a finalist in the Quality Lead category and the preoperative anaemia team is up for the Patient Safety in Surgical Care title at this year’s Patient Safety Awards, presented by the Health Service Journal.
Wendy Oakes led the introduction of a new care plan and IT alert system for patients with acute kidney injuries (a sudden reduction in kidney function).
With the help of the new system and training for staff led by Wendy, patients are now assessed as to whether they have the condition sooner.
This earlier recognition and timely intervention is fundamental in reducing the possible complications associated with acute kidney injury, which can be fatal.
The pre-operative team assess whether patients have anaemia prior to surgery.
Patients who are anaemic have fewer blood cells and are at greater risk of death and other complications during operations.
The pre-operative team introduced a system of successfully identifying patients with the condition earlier and treating them with iron supplements without the need for a blood transfusion, which was used previously.
This is easier and safer for the patient, as well as more cost effective.
In both cases, patient safety has been improved, which will save lives over the long term.
Judith Morris, director of nursing and midwifery at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The safety of patients is always our top priority and I am truly delighted the efforts and innovation of our staff in these two separate areas have been recognised in this way.”
The winning teams will be announced at a ceremony in Manchester on July 4.