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Posted on 16 Jul 2015

The Trust has been shortlisted in two categories at the Nursing Times Awards 2015. 

The prestigious awards celebrate innovations that are improving nurse-led care throughout the NHS and independent healthcare sector.  

Ruby Ward, part of the National High Secure Healthcare Service for Women (NHSHSW) based at Rampton Hospital, has been shortlisted for the Nursing in Mental Health award.

Ruby is a 14-bed treatment ward, caring for women with anti-social personality disorders and long histories of disturbed and disruptive behaviour. Patients are placed in long term segregation if they pose a persistent high risk of serious injury or harm to patients and staff on the ward. 

The initiative, ‘From Restraint to Release', has helped to reduce the hours that these patients are spending in long term segregation. This is in line with the government's two-year Positive and Proactive Care project aimed at reducing all forms of restrictive practise.  

‘From Restraint to Release' encourages an approach of discussion and assertive communication, rather than physical displays of emotion. This includes a weekly community meeting for all patients. It helps to encourage a feeling of safety amongst patients, increases their sense of belonging and enables them to begin making positive changes. 

Since the initiative started two years ago, it has significantly reduced segregation hours for three patients. 

The Trust's ‘React to Red' campaign, developed by the Tissue Viability Team, has also been shortlisted for an award, in the Care of Older People category. 

Since its launch last year ‘React to Red' has helped to reduce the development of pressure ulcers amongst vulnerable care home residents by over 30%. As part of the campaign, a bespoke pressure ulcer training package was launched, helping to train care home staff in the prevention of pressure ulcers. 

Dean Howells, Executive Director for Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said: 

"To be nominated for not one but two Nursing Times awards is a major accolade for both the front line teams involved and our Trust."

"We consistently strive to overcome challenges in order to deliver high quality care and these two projects have really helped to improve outcomes for our patients and service users.

"To have been shortlisted in the two different categories illustrates the diversity of our Trust and the varied work we do. The teams should feel very proud.”

Nursing Times received a record 823 entries from 346 organisations for this year's awards. The Trust is one of 124 organisations shortlisted. 

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in November. 

For more information, visit https://awards.nursingtimes.net/