Our Stroke service was highly commended in the Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year category of the 2020 HSJ Patient Safety Awards.

The service was recognised for its transformation from being D rated to the highest possible A rating, thanks to improvements such as: changing stoke consultants’ working patterns to match demand; involving the entire team in improvements to give them ownership; and introducing a virtual ward, allowing patients where appropriate to receive care and support in their own homes, led the transformation.

This has meant quicker decision-making for stroke patients, leading to better outcomes, a reduced stay in hospital by almost four days, increased bed availability on the stroke unit, and a reduced mortality (death) rate by 25 per cent, thanks to safer care and a quicker availability of blood clot-busting drugs.

The awards took place virtually yesterday (Tuesday 10 November). Judging our entry, the panel said: “This was a fantastic improvement and it was great to see the learning had been shared more widely, internally and externally. What stood out was the feeling of ‘empowered leadership’ and ‘permission to fail’ whilst continuing with a quality improvement approach.”

Amanda Martin, our co-clinical lead for stroke, said: “It’s great to be recognised for the hard work and innovation of the whole team. Our patients have always been at the centre of everything we do and they are the ones who benefit most from our improvements, which we’re really proud of.”

Devesh Sinha, fellow co-clinical lead for stroke, added: “It’s fantastic to be highly commended against such tough competition. We are delighted that our patients are receiving excellent care, and that we are committed to making changes across the system with our local healthcare partners, and not just within our hospitals.”