A team at Stepping Hill Hospital, which helps patients before they undergo surgery, has won a national Nursing Times Award.
The pre-operative anaemia team were the winners in the ‘Surgical Nursing’ category at this year’s awards. They were up against eight other finalists from across the country.
Patients who are anaemic have fewer blood cells and are at greater risk of death and other complications during operations. It is the most common disorder of the blood and affects around 30% of people needing an operation. The condition was previously treated with blood transfusions during surgery.
The Stepping Hill Hospital team received the prestigious national award for successfully identifying patients with anaemia at an earlier stage, and treating them with iron supplements without the need for a blood transfusion. This is better and safer for the patient, as well as more cost effective.
The team were given their award at an evening ceremony in London (Wednesday 26th October 2016), hosted by Nursing Times editor Jenni Middleton and Jane Cummings, the Chief Nursing Officer for NHS England. Kirsten Wheeler, senior sister of the pre-operative surgical team was invited to a reception for the finalists earlier that day with Prince Charles.
Kirsten Wheeler said, “We just try and do our best for our patients and we’re overwhelmed to receive this fantastic award. It was an honour to meet Prince Charles at Clarence House and for the team to win. It’s a team effort and I’m so delighted for everyone who works so hard for the good of our patients.”
Judith Morris, Director of Nursing and Midwifery for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital, said, “The team’s dedication and innovation have led to better and more efficient care for our surgical patients. I am so proud and delighted they have received this national recognition.”
