The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital has introduced a new award celebrating innovation and improvement in memory of former Interim Chief Nurse and Patient Safety Officer Sam Young.
Named the Sam Young Innovation and Improvement Award, the award has been created to remember Sam, who passed away earlier this year, and aims to honour her passion for continuous improvement and driving positive change.
The Pre-Operative Assessment Unit Manager, Lisa Davies-Jones, was presented the inaugural award at the Oswestry-based hospital during the Annual Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Celebration Event. She gained this in recognition of her leadership around a new innovative health screening initiative, developed earlier this year.
Since its introduction, the initiative has identified over 50 patients whose care has been optimised ahead of surgery – successfully fulfilling its goal of reducing last-minute cancellations from nervous patients, and improve their recovery.
This benefits individuals with low iron levels, poorly controlled diabetes, newly identified heart rhythm problems and high blood pressure.
Lisa has spoken out after receiving her award: “I am incredibly proud to receive this award, particularly because of what it represents and the legacy of Sam.
“This work has always been about improving the experience and outcomes for our patients by identifying issues earlier and giving them the best opportunity for a smooth surgical journey. I’m grateful to the Pre-Operative Assessment Team who have supported this initiative and share this recognition with them all.”
With Chief Executive, Stacey Keegan, adding: “Sam was deeply committed to innovation, improvement and putting patients at the centre of everything we do – this award reflects those values perfectly and is a fitting tribute to her legacy.
“Lisa is a deserving inaugural winner. Her leadership surrounding the health screening initiative has already made a measurable difference for patients and to our services.
“Going forward, this award will be presented annually to recognise staff who demonstrate innovation and a commitment to improving patient care.”
