26 January 2009
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has launched a new awards scheme to recognise and celebrate outstanding practice across its three hospitals.
Every month, one of the Trust's 53 wards wins a £1,000 prize for achieving a range of targets, including meeting standards which help reduce the number of infections.
Each ward is measured against key targets for four months to gain an accurate record of their performance, and winners receive a certificate as well as a £1,000 cheque. It is then up to the nurses and other staff on the ward to decide how the money is spent, with a focus on further improving the experience patients have on the ward, for instance, buying toys for children who are patients or visitors to play with.
Director of Nursing, Pippa Hart said: "Wards, departments and their managers are faced with a range of priorities. These awards are designed to support the Trust's strategy and put patients first."
To date, C2 at St Helier and Croft at Epsom are two wards that have won. Staff at C2 intend to put their £1,000 prize towards purchasing a new blood pressure machine, whilst Croft is looking to buy new televisions for patients to watch.
C2's sister Miriam Okoro said: "We were absolutely delighted to have received this award which was given to us after we conducted rigorous hand hygiene checks."
Croft ward's sister, Sally Medley said: "Our staff work tirelessly for our patients and I am delighted with the award which will be spent on items that will benefit our patients."
