A WORCESTERSHIRE nurse has received a prestigious regional award from the NHS for striking a deal to improve patient safety and save the health service money.
Claire Hughes, the lead nurse for tissue viability at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, received a Regional NHS Champion Award for arranging a new supply of hybrid mattresses for hospital patients which saved the NHS £1 million.
The award winner worked with the Procurement and Supplies team to arrange a new contract for high-specification hybrid mattresses.
Claire led discussions with clinical stakeholders to develop a specification that ensured the final product was fit for purpose and worked closely with the procurement team to ensure crucial deadlines were met.
The mattresses improve patient safety by providing a higher quality pressure-relieving surface that reduces the risk of patients developing pressure ulcers.
Pressure ulcers are injuries that break down the skin and underlying tissue when an area of skin is placed under pressure. They are sometimes known as “bedsores” or “pressure sores”.
The NHS’ savings will accrue over the next four years.
Claire received her accolade at the East of England Excellence in Supply Awards during a ceremony run by the Health Care Supply Association (HCSA), which is affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.
Clinical procurement nurse lead at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Claire Moses said: “Claire’s commitment to delivering quality care in collaboration with procurement led to the successful implementation of this contract.
“Claire has worked beyond what is expected of her and is very worthy of this award.”
