STAFF at the Great Western Hospital have been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.

The hospital has been recognised nationally for its strong culture of patient safety and innovation in healthcare after being selected out of more than 1,000 entries in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) awards.

The trust was singled out for its THINK DRINK campaign and new Ambulatory Care Service. Nerissa Vaughan, chief executive of GWH NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s a testament to the quality of our staff and the care they provide that their work is being recognised nationally.”

The THINK DRINK campaign was shortlisted for the Patient Safety Award for leading the way in improving hydration, an important area of patient safety across the NHS. The project addresses fluid management by introducing robust monitoring tools and raising awareness among staff and patients.

Karen Braid, the trust’s productive ward lead, said: “Adequate hydration is as vital to hospital care as medication. Keeping patients hydrated helps to prevent complications such as infections, delayed wound healing and decreased muscle strength, all resulting in patients needing to be in hospital for longer or being admitted into hospital from the community. The programme also supports the trust’s drive to improve staff health and wellbeing.”

The ambulatory care team has been recognised for its groundbreaking work in developing an Ambulatory Care Service within the GWH. The project, which was shortlisted for the Secondary Care Service Redesign Award, is helping improve the experience of patients who go to A&E, but do not necessarily require admission for an overnight stay, including those with headaches, breathlessness or epileptic fits.

Charlotte Cannon, consultant physician on the acute assessment unit, said: “Having a dedicated unit with senior consultants means patients are now assessed and treated more quickly. In addition, the expansion of the Acute Medical Unit means specialist beds across the hospital are protected for patients with specialist needs.

“The length of stay for patients with an ambulatory condition has fallen by one day, there has been a 79 per cent reduction in patients being moved between wards and mixed sex accommodation has been eliminated.

“All of this means we are reducing the number of people who are admitted to hospital or referred by their GP, who don’t need to be here. We are freeing up more beds for those who need to stay in hospital overnight.”

The trust will find out if it has won an award at an awards ceremony in London on November 20.