Patient Safety
Patient safety is Ipswich Hospital's top priority – that means ensuring patients are cared for in an environment that puts their safety first.
We have signed up to be one of the country’s leading hospitals for a top patient safety campaign called Patient Safety First.
Click on the links below for more information about the Patient Safety First Campaign and other initiatives this hospital is involved in.
Patient Safety First | In the News | Stop the Clot | How You Can Help | Latest Reports
Protecting Patients From Harm | MRSA
We are working together in this hospital to protect our patients from harm. Using the Patient First Safety Campaign, links with the National Patient Safety Agency and Nice (the National Institute for Clinical Excellence) guidelines there are a number of programmes that are in progress to enhance and deliver safety for you and your relatives. Initiatives included are: Perioperative care - the preparation and management of patients before surgery There are a number of programmes being introduced to further reduce any avoidable surgical complications:
- World Health Organisation Surgical Checklist (NPSA Safer Patient Alert)
- Reducing surgical site infections
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
Critical care
Introduction of interventions in Critical Care that further reduce complications to ventilated patients.
Deteriorating patient
Initiatives have been and are being introduced that will reduce further the complications experienced by a patient whose condition is deteriorating. A track and trigger system MEWS (Modified Early Warning Score) for all patients has been introduced to ensure that the condition of the patient is monitored effectively and acted upon in order to have the best possible outcome. There is a standardised communication tool being introduced to ensure information given is clear, accurate and concise. Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) is a simple framework that enables staff to share clear and consistent information about a patient.
Healthcare associated infections
The hospital has taken an increasingly proactive approach to the reduction of infection. There are identified programmes of work that have been commenced and are in progress. Click here for more information.
FallsThere is much that can be done to reduce the risk of falls and minimise harm. A fall can be the result of a single factor, such as fainting, affecting an otherwise fit and healthy person. However, most falls, particularly in older people, are the result of several interacting factors. The hospital is constantly reviewing the incidence of falls and is establishing a number of initiatives in order to reduce the number of falls that occur.
For example, the number of patients suffering falls on Grundisburgh Ward has fallen by two thirds thanks to a nurse-led prevention project. The team on Grundisburgh have piloted a scheme including the introduction of a new falls observation tool to support staff to prioritise interventions to the highest risk patients. Staff review each patient on a two-hourly basis to check they are hydrated, their call bell is within reach, footwear is appropriate, the area is clutter free and walking aids are available where needed. Now the pilot is being rolled out to other wards.
Pressure Ulcer development
Pressure ulcer development affects on patients in terms of their physical ability, their ability to function socially, their financial situation, changes in their perceived body image, and loss of independence and control of their own lives. The hospital is constantly reviewing the incidence of pressure ulcer development and has a number of processes and initiatives to reduce the development of these sores.
