posted 8 ^th Sep 2019

A specialist UK medical hub, which includes the support of Wrightington Hospital, has landed a top accolade for its collaborative work to improve the safety and quality of patient care.

In October 2018, Wrightington Hospital, part of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), joined forces with 30 organisations across the NHS to reduce infection rates from MSSA (Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus Auerus) for patients having hip and knee replacement surgery.

The QIST (Quality Improvement for Surgical Teams) collaborative, spearheaded by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, won the Infection Prevention and Control Initiative of the Year at the Health Service Journal’s Patient Safety Awards.

Marie Armstrong, Matron for Trauma and Orthopaedics at WWL said: “We are already ranked first in the whole of the UK for low infection rates within the NHS and the quality of our surgical operations means that the need for additional surgery is below the national average which means patients have a much higher chance of experiencing positive, long term results.

“By joining together and working in this innovative and collaborative way we can make real improvements for patients.”

“As a Trust, we are extremely proud to be part of this work with so many wonderful organisations to improve patient care now and support further adoption across the NHS so many more patients can benefit in the future”

Hiren Divecha, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon at Wrightington Hospital: “We are delighted that this unique programme in which we are involved has won a national award. I am particularly proud of the team work and dedication shown by key clinical staff members in preoperative assessment, pharmacy, anaesthetics and orthopaedic departments involved in implementing this programme, making it a reality and part of our continual strive to improve the care we offer for our patients here in Wrightington Hospital.

“Infections can be devastating and life changing for any patient and their loved ones, and by joining forces and working collaboratively we can make a difference to patients here and elsewhere.

“It is an honour to be part of this project working with our colleagues across the country. These interventions are helping us to improve care for our patients and support further adoption across the NHS so many more patients can benefit in the future too.”

Wrightington Hospital, which has just been placed among the World’s Best Specialised Hospitals*, has an international reputation for excellence in orthopaedics – has an international reputation for excellence in orthopaedics and carries out more than 3,000 hip and knee surgery replacements each year.

The collaborative is evaluating the introduction of pre-screening and the use of body wash and nasal gel treatments for patients carrying the bug.

You can follow Wrightington Hospital’s Twitter account via @wrightington16, or find out more about QIST at www.qist.org.uk/#clinical-trials

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