Janine GriffithsTwo nursing teams at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have received national recognition for their work to improve patient care and recovery.
The teams were finalists at the prestigious Nursing Times Awards on Thursday, 29 October, for projects supporting patients with complex health needs.
Their work includes helping intensive care patients recover faster and providing better support for people following pelvic cancer treatment.
The Neuro Critical Care team, led by matron Laura Sedgley, was shortlisted in the Critical and Emergency Care Nursing category.
The team introduced new safety measures for patients recovering from brain injuries, strokes and hydrocephalus, a condition caused by excess fluid in the brain.
These patients require a special drainage tube to relieve pressure on the brain.
New infection prevention measures include dedicated red head pillows, daily pillowcase changes and additional staff training.
Alongside other safety improvements, these changes have helped patients leave intensive care five days sooner than before.
Meanwhile, Robyn Bowman, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Pelvic Late Effects, was shortlisted in the Public Health Nursing category.
Her project, Between the Navel and the Knees, aims to improve support for patients who have undergone pelvic cancer chemoradiotherapy.
It was developed after patients called for more open, compassionate and practical information about intimacy and sexual wellbeing following treatment.
Working with artist Kata Balogh and local poet Jack Collins, Robyn helped share the personal experiences of three patients.
A series of videos has also been created to encourage conversations about sensitive topics and help patients feel less isolated.
The videos, due to launch on the Trust’s website in November, will also highlight available support and treatment options.
Beverley Geary, Chief Nurse at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, welcomed the national recognition.
She said: “I’m delighted for our nursing teams gaining national recognition in their industry awards. Nurses are such a vital part of our hospital workforce, and it makes me very proud to know that two of our teams have been in the national limelight for the dedicated and specialist care they provide to patients.
“Both projects just show the creativity and innovation of our clinical teams, listening to patients and their challenges, and developing patient-centred solutions to deliver change and better health outcomes. Well done to all.”
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides local hospital services for Leeds, alongside specialist care for patients across Yorkshire, the Humber and beyond.
The Trust employs around 22,000 staff across seven hospitals on five sites.
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