At the Trust’s annual Star Awards ceremony, the Antenatal Clinic were given a Quality Improvement (Qi) prize, in recognition of how they enhanced their ways of working to provide an even better service to patients. This journey began back in January, when the team hosted a special 3 day get-together that was focussed on identifying any unnecessary issues they face on a regular basis. Looking at how to address these obstacles and delays, they gave thought to suggestions from colleagues, considered patient feedback and ultimately came up with new ideas.
Having done this, they then drafted a series of plans for trialling these changes and split into groups to implement them. Among other things, they reined back their use of paper notes – saving 20 hours of admin time a week – overhauled their referral criteria and amended guidelines to improve patient flow. Not only that, but they also made an effort to boost morale around the workplace. For example, volunteers came together to spruce up the environment and a comfort area was introduced for staff to have breaks.
Everyone in the team was able to have their say in the improvement process and contributed ideas, from the support workers, to the admin staff, the midwifes and the consultants, right through to the senior management team. The collaboration has been remarkable and made a huge difference to the clinic, with team members commenting that they can now perform their jobs to a much higher standard.
Speaking about the achievement Suzy Brain England OBE, Trust Chair, said: ‘’The Antenatal clinic should be very proud of everything they have accomplished this year. Their impressive quality improvement is now being showcased all over the Trust and is inspiring other areas to follow in their footsteps. Having shown the benefits of Qi in this way, they are more than deserving recipients of this award. Well done team!’’
After the ceremony, Nicola Holland, manager for the Antenatal clinic, said: ‘’I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say that we are really grateful for this special recognition. Starting way back in January, this has been a very long journey for the clinic and we worked so hard to implement all of the changes. With that in mind, I’d like to just take this opportunity to say ‘’well done’’ to everyone involved, including the Trust’s Qi team, and to thank them for making this Qi project such a resounding success’’
The DBTH Star Awards were held on Thursday 19 September at the Doncaster Dome and were presented by BBC Look North’s Harry Gration, MBE. With 11 awards handed out over the course of the evening – such as Clinical Team of the Year, Patient Champion of the Year and Rising Star – it was certainly a memorable night for all.