An initiative to reduce pressure sores at George Eliot Hospital has been shortlisted in the ‘Care of Older People’ category at the 2012 Nursing Times Awards.
The shortlisting is in recognition of the work staff at George Eliot Hospital have done to reduce hospital acquired pressure sores through its innovative PUP (Pressure Ulcer Prevention) campaign.
The campaign was introduced by the Trust’s tissue viability team who used it as a light-hearted way to get across a very serious message about the negative impact pressure sores can have upon a patient’s care and recovery.
The campaign saw every ward adopt a metaphorical ‘puppy’ and sign an adoption certificate, which was their commitment to work to reduce incidents of avoidable hospital acquired pressure sores. This process was also carried out by the Trust’s Board of Directors as part of a public meeting. Regular awards are also handed out to the best performing wards.
The high profile PUPS campaign has helped to raise awareness about pressure ulcer prevention amongst staff to similar levels as those around hospital acquired infections such as MRSA and C diff. Heightened awareness of these issues has led to dramatic reductions in such infections in recent years and similar reductions are now being experienced in avoidable hospital acquired pressure ulcers.
Along with all other hospital Trusts in the Midlands and East Strategic Health Authority area, George Eliot Hospital has committed to eliminating all grades two, three and four pressure ulcers by December 2012.
Director of Nursing Dawn Wardell said: “The key to the success of this campaign has been the ‘fun’ aspect; staff have really brought into it and the reductions in avoidable hospital acquired pressure sores is testament to the success of the campaign.
“This nomination recognises the dedication of all our staff to provide the highest standards of care to our patients and I would like to congratulate them all on this success.”
The winners of the award will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 31 October.
