A BARNSLEY Hospital project which has helped speed up discharging children with minor head injuries has been shortlisted for a national award.
The nurse-led training package for patients aged between two and 16, shortlisted in the Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year category at the HSJ Awards, has saved an estimated 300 hours in patient waiting time and 32 hours of healthcare professional time.
Since implementation, over 30 per cent of head injury cases have been discharged this way.
Strict criteria ensures the safety of discharged children, and audits show no increase in return visits with injury complications.
This initiative has empowered nursing staff, enhancing their independence.
The HSJ Patient Safety Awards acknowledges the hard-working teams and individuals across the UK who are continually striving to deliver improved patient care.
Lead nurse for the children’s emergency department, Lucy Schofield, said: “I am so proud that we have been shortlisted for this 2024 HSJ patient safety award.
“It is amazing to have this recognition for the hard work and dedication that our team have towards providing exceptional nursing care.
“To win the award would be aspirational and truly show that we can achieve great things by working collaboratively.
“We hope to inspire others to do the same and build upon what we have learnt from this quality improvement project.”
