The nomination recognises the work the service has carried out to improve timely, accurate assessment and diagnosis of lower limb wounds, which has resulted in patients being managed more quickly using best practice evidence resulting in their wounds healing quicker and improving their quality of life.
Caroline Clarke, Tissue Viability Specialist Nurse at MPFT, said: “We began this project last year following an audit of leg ulcer assessment and management which highlighted delays in patients receiving lower limb assessment and diagnosis.
“One of the main priorities has been to develop and launch a tool called a Lower Limb Assessment Algorithm, as well as a Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment Pathway and ensure staff are fully trained on both. This has helped to standardise practice, support decision making in practice and improve the timeliness of assessment.
“Alongside this we have also launched leg and wound assessment champions in each of our community nursing teams across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, increased capacity in ambulatory clinics and launched new assessment ‘outpatient’ clinics, to name just a few of a range of initiatives we have undertaken.
“As a result we have met our improvement targets and increased the number and timeliness of lower limb assessments, from only 34% having received a Doppler ultrasound test (to measure the amount of blood flow through the arteries and veins) by 4 weeks to 98% in the most recent audit.
“We have been thrilled with the success of the project and the positive impact it is having on our patients and are excited at the potential there is to develop these initiatives even further to continue to enhance the service we offer.”
Alison Bussey, Chief Nurse and Managing Director North Group at MPFT, said she was delighted with the award nomination and praised the team for their innovative approach to improving patient care.
“Delivering a high quality of service which brings benefits to our patients and service users is vitally important to MPFT, so it is fantastic to see work such as this which has made tangible, positive differences to our patients and their quality of life.
“The nomination for a Nursing Times Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team to continually making improvements for their patients and I wish them all the best for the awards.”
The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony celebrating the best in nursing at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 31st October 2018.