PDU Standard 4

Improving Patient safety

Click here for Edge Hill University 'Practice Development Unit' accreditation standards.

Click here for 'Standard 4 Action Plan' from Sept 2011

4.1 The unit actively promotes patient safety and reduces risk.

The Head and Neck Airways Group was formed following an 'Airway' incident at another hospital.

Click here for a planning document for the group:

The group has (1) measured itself against the recommendations following the incident:

(2) Actively participated in the generation of the Trust's Tracheostomy guidelines (Click for the document / Check the Consultation / Main Author section for PDU involvement.)


(3) Instigated changes in practice dictated by the new guidelines. Click here for a presentation given to the MFU Audit meeting and a Lunchtime Seminar outlining the changes made.


(4) Audited compliance with the change in practice.

The group continues to meet every 2 months to discuss current Airway issues / incidents and has also been joined by staff at Walton Neuro to share best practice with regard to Airway management.
Click here for Airways Group minutes with Walton Neuro Staff.

(ii)Following a Critical incident with regard to the correct management of a diabetic patient - a training schedule for all ward staff was initiated and completed. All staff received a presentation by Maureen Wallymahmed the Diabetic Nurse Consultant. Click here to see the presentation.

(iii)
(iv) Following a complaint regarding discharge safety issues for a patient on the ward going to a Nursing Home - an action plan was decided upon and a new transfer form developed for the transfer of patients to Nursing Homes.



(v)Complaints are discussed at their respective directorate meetings. The complaint and its subsequent outcome is documented in the meetings minutes.

Another example of complaints discussion/ outcomes as well as clinical governance issues is from the regular Head and Neck Clinical Governance meetings.

The Head and Neck Matron Mr Keenan has also presented at Lunchtime Seminars in 2009 and 2011 on complaints and critical Incidents. These seminars will have been given to head and neck staff.

Click on the links for the 2009 / 2011 Lunchtime Seminar Programmes:

This years Lunchtime Seminar programme (2012) Has a Lunchtime Seminar on 'Improving Patient Safety' which is to be presented by Mrs Lynn McGlinchy the Clinical Risk Manager at Aintree.

(vi) The Clinical Incidents Update system documents the incidents that have taken place in the clinical areas, how they were dealt with and looks for any trends to the incidents.

(vi)
The Pharmacy department have carried out an audit of all clinical areas to measure compliance with minimal standards for Controlled drugs.

(vii) Another piece of documented evidence to demonstrate our commitment to patient safety is the regular clinical audits of the correct use of the 'Modified Early Warning System.

4.2 Risk Assessments are used to improve patient safety/reduce risk.

The Head and Neck PDU is obliged to complete mandatory Risk Assessments in the work place to meet Aintree Trust Requirements.

(i)Click here for an environmental Risk assessment on the Head and Neck Offices.

(ii) Click here for a Stress Risk Assessment from the Head and Neck Office.

4.3 Risks associated with medical devices are minimised.

4.4 Informed consent is obtained for relevant patient contacts/
procedures/surgery.

Consent and consent competency training on the H&N PDU matches the requirement by Aintree Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The large folder of information / staff lists / training evidence etc for Head and Neck staff is kept in the Head and Neck Office and is available for inspection on the day of accreditation.

Consent Training presntations have been given by Mr Tandon ENT Consultant in 2010 and 2011. Click on the links to see the presentation.

4.5 Evidence of relevant national Patient Safety Alerts being applied (e.g. MHRA, NPSA).