Ahead of this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards, Graham Stuart MP has nominated the Matron Team from the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust for the COVID Response Award category.
This team has been selected because of their innovative approach to tackling the spread of infection during the height of the pandemic. To ensure patient safety while performing interventions, the inventive Pocket PPE Packs were introduced by the Matron Team.
This new initiative was designed for all inpatient clinical staff at the Trust, to address the need for quick and easy access to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in dynamic situations. These packs were made up of reusable safety glasses, a disposable apron, and gloves, packed away accessibly in a small bag that is easy to carry and replenish.
The initiative has been so successful, that all inpatient wards in the Trust have adopted the pack approach. Furthermore, in recognition of the packs’ effectiveness, it has recently been published on the Chief Nursing Officer's Catalogue of Change to promote use across the entire NHS. It has also been featured in an article by the Trust’s Chief Executive, which was published in the Health Service Journal.
Commenting on their nomination, Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness said:
“As we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic, I think it is important now that we take the time to recognise the work of our local nurses, who have continued to go above and beyond the call of duty in delivering effective care for their patients.
“The Pocket PPE Pack is a fascinating piece of kit. Its innovative and simple design offers a uniquely sensitive approach to providing personalised care for patients struggling with mental health and learning disabilities. I’m not surprised to hear the kit is being promoted across the whole of the NHS and I wish the team every success in their nomination for this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards.”