HSJ Partnership Awards 2023: Most Effective Contribution to Patient Safety

Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust worked in partnership with Essity to implement NICE guidance to reduce surgical site infections (SSI) post caesarean. Essity provided a package of staff training demonstrating correct dressing application and removal, working with theatre staff, doctors and midwives. A like-for-like audit was conducted, comparing results pre and post implementation. In the first six months, SSI rates reduced significantly, as did readmission rates and antibiotic use. No other changes to wound preparation, surgical technique or antibiotics occurred during this time. “This work highlighted how national guidance has issues in being implemented and how industry partners can help with real-world adaptation and implementation of evidence based care,” said judges.