Four initiatives that use innovation to improve patient care have been nominated for a national award by the Island’s MP, Bob Seely.
The projects, developed by NHS staff on the Island, have been put forward by Mr Seely to this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards.
The awards give Members of Parliament the chance to showcase the outstanding work taking place in the healthcare profession in their area.
Mr Seely said: “First, I thank everyone who works in the NHS on the Isle of Wight. They do a vital job and we are grateful for every single one of them.
“The projects highlight how dedicated NHS staff are ensuring Islanders get the best care.”
The nominated projects are designed to improve care in primary and community care, urgent and emergency care and the ambulance service while a fourth seeks to improve local training opportunities in nursing.
Mr Seely said: “The Island’s NHS teams are constantly looking to innovate and embrace new thinking and technology to improve patient care. We are showing the best of them to a national audience.
“On behalf of the Island, I am delighted and proud to nominate these projects and the great people delivering them. All of them are important.”
Joe Smyth, Chief Officer Isle of Wight NHS Trust said: “Our staff work incredibly hard to provide great care to our Island community and we are delighted to put forward four very worthy teams for this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards. We would like to wish our podiatry, urgent and emergency care colleagues and partners as well our learning and education team the best of luck ahead of the national shortlisting in June.”
Held annually, the NHS Parliamentary Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of NHS staff, volunteers and other health and care sectors.
The four nominated awards are outlined below:
· The Learning, Education and Development Team have created new career paths into nursing, partnering with organisations including the Open University so Islanders can train as a Nursing Associate or Registered Nurse without having to leave the Island.
· The Podiatry Team for their work upskilling staff to ensure patients’ needs were met despite a decline in the number of trainees entering the podiatry profession both locally and nationally.
· Isle of Wight Ambulance Service (IWAS) Integrated Critical Care Pathways Project is an ambitious cross-boundary innovation that overcomes the complex clinical, logistical and communications issues presented by serving an Island population.
· Isle of Wight Ambulance Service Volunteer Community First Responders is the creation and training of an inspirational group of dedicated and enthusiastic Volunteers who enhance the care provided to patients who need a statutory Ambulance response.
The projects will go through regional selections this month ahead of national judging in June.
