Patient care project awarded with national prize (From Dorset Echo)

Patient care project awarded with national prize

5:00pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News

A PROJECT aimed at improving patient care has seen Dorset County Hospital recognised with a national award.

Staff nurse Linda Woodsford led a clinical audit about measuring and re-measuring of anti-embolism surgical stockings on patients on the Ridgeway Ward.

She discovered some patients were being measured incorrectly, which meant they were not receiving the maximum protection against blood clots or pressure ulcers and that they then needed replacement stockings, adding to the cost of their treatment.

Nurse Woodsford took steps to ensure patients are now all measured correctly and encouraged stocking manufacturers to change their packaging to include information about the surgical aspect of measuring, meaning patients and staffs in hospitals throughout the country will benefit from the changes.

Her work was recognised by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, which has presented her with an award under the Creating or Improving Efficiencies category of their annual Clinical Audit Awards.

Clinical quality facilitator Carrie Ward, who supported Nurse Woodsford, said: “Linda’s audit has led to some important improvements for patients, not only in our hospital but in others around the country.

“Her work demonstrates the importance and benefits of conducting audits so we can continuously improve the care we offer our patients.”