Health and care staff around Morecambe Bay have won two awards from The Academy of Fabulous NHS Stuff for their work in reducing hospital admissions and working together as part of the Kendal Integrated Care Community (ICC).
The ‘Victory Award’ was received by staff on the Acute Surgical Unit at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) after their recent improvements to patient flow and care through the surgical department – helping to free up beds on the wards for acutely unwell patients in need of care.
David Barrett, Clinical Leader for the Acute Surgical Unit, UHMBT, said: “The ward management team are incredibly proud of the ongoing efforts of the staff that work in SEAC and the ward. From the cleaners, ward clerks, clinical support workers, nurses, doctors and surgeons; a huge effort has been put in by all to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the unit.
“The praise that staff receive from patients is excellent, and we feel this is well deserved for their remarkable efforts to improving care within the surgical department.”
Recognition was also given to out of hospital services, with the Kendal Integrated Care Community (ICC) receiving the ‘Rosa Parks Award’. This award is typically given to those who find a new, inspiring and effective means of improving something.
Kendal ICC is one of several teams across Morecambe Bay working to improve the health and wellbeing of local people. Its projects aim to bring together local health and care professionals, GPs, social care staff, the voluntary sector and the community to work as one team, with a focus on ensuring that when people are ill or need support, they receive the best possible care from the right place.
Kendal ICC projects include:
- The I Matter Project which is all about building a community to assist adults in working together more effectively to address the wellbeing of children
- Establishing a frailty group which brings together a core team of district nurses, adult social care, the North West Ambulance Service, Age UK, reablement services and Cumbria Police
- Completing over 600 anticipatory care plans which enable some of the most vulnerable and frailest people to discuss and document their wishes for their future care
Cara Stride, Kendal ICC Development Lead, said: ““We are so thrilled to have received this award from the Academy of Fab NHS stuff as it really highlights that what we are doing is new and effective.
“Some of our success stories are most apparent with older people being empowered to remain in their own homes. We are proactive in supporting our patients, and have established a network of other organisations within our ICC who provide additional support if needed.
“We’re on the right track to improving the lives of people in our community.”
Andy Maddox, Clinical Chief for Out of Hospital for Morecambe Bay, said: “It is great to see recognition for some real-life examples of the partnership working that is happening all across Morecambe Bay with these awards.
“Our patients are always at the heart of everything that we do, whether they are in hospital or within the community and we endeavour to make continual improvements that benefit our whole population.”
Both schemes are now on the shortlist for the annual Academy of Fab NHS stuff Awards which take place on 15th November 2018. Votes can be submitted via https://t.co/9KXfGQdQGz until 5pm on 31st October 2018.
