Trust shortlisted for three HSJ Patient Safety Awards
Colleagues at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust are celebrating after being shortlisted in three categories for this year’s HSJ Patient Safety Awards – a prestigious national recognition of excellence in healthcare.
The HSJ Patient Safety Awards celebrate individuals and teams across 25 categories and highlight those who have gone above and beyond to improve patient safety across health and care.
The three categories the Trust has been shortlisted for are:
Harnessing a human factors approach to improve patient safety
The Trust’s partnership with social care teams has improved patient safety within the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC) by using simulation training. The project focused on making sure everyone works together smoothly, boosting staff confidence and ensuring consistent practices for safeguarding children from abuse and neglect. As a result, colleagues are better equipped to spot and respond to issues. This helps keep vulnerable patients safer.
Best use of integrated care and partnership working in patient safety
The Community Ready Unit has improved patient discharge by prioritising safety and dignity through a person-centred approach. By refining processes, the language used and improving environments based on patient feedback, the Community Ready Unit has reduced discharge risks and enhanced patient flow through the hospital and back into the community.
Virtual or remote care initiative of the year
The Trust’s Virtual Ward provides hospital-level care at home, helping to prevent hospital admissions and allowing patients more independence. The team combine daily visits with experienced clinical oversight to manage complex health needs safely, reducing unnecessary hospital stays. This approach not only improves the patient experience and helps prevent deterioration but also saves valuable hospital space and services.
Helen Dobson, Chief Nurse at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, shares her excitement about the shortlisting announcement: “It’s incredible to be shortlisted and recognised for the work our teams do to ensure the safety of patients under our care. It is truly an honour to see our teams receive recognition for their efforts in providing person-centred care to our community.”
The next phase of the awards process will involve in-person presentations by our teams to a panel of judges before the main awards ceremony takes place on 15 September.