The nursing team at Worthing Hospital’s A&E department at UHSussex has been recognised as Star of the Month for their outstanding commitment, professionalism and teamwork in getting ambulances back out on the road in a record-breaking time.
When an ambulance arrives at a hospital, the national target for clinically handing over patients is within 15 minutes of arrival. However, operational challenges including significant peaks in demand can lengthen handover times and cause delays.
Across the South East region, the average ambulance handover times are performing at 44% across 18 local hospitals, however, Worthing’s emergency department is currently above the national performance target at 70%, alongside the Princess Royal Hospital which is also part UHSussex.
This is thanks to a series of improvements that the team have made over the last six months, using the Trust’s Patient First Improvement Programme.
These improvements are now fully embedded into their routine and have not only resulted in improved operational performance and patient care, but also mean that the South East Coast Ambulance Service can respond to more calls and help more patients in the Sussex community.
Julie Thomas, Divisional Director of Nursing said: “Patient care is at the heart of this with the emergency department staff pulling together as a team to offload and release ambulances even when under great pressure.”
The very strong caring culture within the department means they always put their patients first, recognising and understanding the importance of getting ambulances back out on the road to go to calls often desperately needing their support.
“This team continues to strive daily to ensure timely care for all patients who attend A&E by ambulance or walk-in routes, with the leadership team constantly reviewing and adapting ways of working to prioritise excellent care for all patients.”
“Overall, the compassion shown to all patients and colleagues despite daily challenges of a busy emergency department is truly exceptional.”
A patient who was cared for by the emergency department nursing team, said: “What a lovely, caring hospital. From admission through A&E to discharge later in the evening I experienced the highest standards of care and compassion. The department was so busy but every interaction I observed was unhurried, kind and professional. I went home feeling as if the health professionals at that hospital really cared about me as an individual.”
Tori Cooper, Hospital Director of Nursing at Worthing added: “Our teams in A&E are working extremely hard to see the patients who need to see us, the focus on patient care, experience and continuous improvement in often very challenging circumstances is to be commended.”
“Thank you to our nursing team at Worthing emergency department for adding to this and showing your commitment and professionalism to UHSussex.”
The Star of the Month award recognises the commitment and dedication of colleagues who give a service that is over and above what is expected of them to make a difference to patients, visitors and their colleagues.
If you know an individual, colleague, team or volunteer who has gone above and beyond why not nominate them for a Star of the Month award.