[A] team at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust has been shortlisted for a prestigious national Nursing Times award. The Infection Prevention team is being recognised in the ‘Infection Prevention’ category for their work in developing a Cumbria- wide health and social care Norovirus strategy.
Members of the Infection Prevention team work at both the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.
The strategy was developed with help from NHS England and Cumbria County Council following the 2015 Norovirus outbreak in Cumbria. The incident at the time resulted in over 300 affected inpatients and a significant impact on services.
The Infection Prevention team was crucial in the development of a multi-agency plan that involves local health organisations, such as Public Health Cumbria, Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, North West Ambulance Service, nursing and residential homes and local authorities all working together to identify symptomatic patients at an earlier point.
The plan comprises of four trigger levels depending on the number of affected patients in hospital and community health and social care settings, each organisation having agreed explicit actions and responsibilities at every stage.
Maurya Cushlow, executive director of nursing for the Trust said: “the Infection Prevention team plays a critical role in ensuring the risk of infection to patients, visitors and staff is minimised through a range of prevention and control processes. The team is constantly monitoring and undertakes audits to maintain consistently high standards across both hospital sites. I am delighted they have received national recognition through being shortlisted for this award.”
Winners of the 2017 Nursing Times Awards will be announced at on 2 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
