HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2022: Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year

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WINNER

East Kent Hospitals University FT: System Optimisation in Times of Crisis - Sustainable, Patient Centered Improvements, Delivered Rapidly During the COVID Pandemic, Using Multiple Innovative Technological Solutions

In April 2020, to free up more than 50 acute medical beds to support the wider covid response, East Kent Hospitals collocated two acute stroke services on to one non-A&E hospital, incorporating multiple innovative technological solutions which have now been scaled nationally. It was planned and delivered rapidly over 10 days, delivering sustainable improvements in stroke care, mitigating health inequalities whilst also supporting the wider healthcare response to the pandemic. A population of 750,000 now benefits from SSNAP level A care, with a length of stay reduction of more than 30 per cent to 11 days and statistically significant low stroke mortality at <50; making it one of the safest stroke services in the country.

Judges said this was an outstanding example of a QI project that was born of adversity during the pandemic. The team took time to understand the problem they had to tackle, then utilised a QI approach and collaborative working to deliver and spread it.

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Finalists

East London FT: Improving Access to Hackney Integrated Learning Disabilities Service — HIGHLY COMMENDED

Central and North West London FT: Easing the Pressure: Taking Time out for Reflection to Engage Staff and Improve Care

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust: Improving End of Life and Bereavement Care

Hampshire Hospitals FT: In the NAC of time: Reducing Length of Stay, Freeing up Inpatient Beds with SNAP 12hr Paracetamol Overdose Regime

Lancashire & South Cumbria FT: Reducing Restrictive Practices, ‘Think Person, Think Positive Practice’

South London and Maudsley FT: QCen Safety Workstream

Stockport FT: Improving Ambulance Turnaround Times in the Emergency Department

University of Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham Trust, Sandwell and West Birmingham Trust, and Walsall Hospitals Trust: DEKODE - Establishing a Regional Registry for Diabetes-Related Emergencies Through Quality Improvement Project