A project to support Island GP practices identify and support patients who are at risk of harm or abuse and in need of safeguarding, has been nominated for a national award.
NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been shortlisted in the 2020 HSJ Patient Safety Awards in the Safeguarding category.
Effective safeguarding leadership
The nomination recognises the outstanding contribution to healthcare that Mandy Tyson and Kelly Vernon have demonstrated through their effective safeguarding leadership across GP practices.
The work involves understanding the challenges faced by GP practices in meeting the needs of adults and children at risk of harm and abuse. It also helps practices to comply with statutory safeguarding requirements.
New primary care lead nurse for safeguarding role
In a newly-created role of primary care lead nurse for safeguarding, Kelly has also been able to provide safeguarding education as well as direct support for day-to-day safeguarding practice.
Safeguarding education alongside direct operational support with day to day safeguarding practice has been essential.
Tyson: Collaborative efforts and dedicated staff
Mandy Tyson, head of safeguarding at the CCG, said:
“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the awards. It recognises the collaborative efforts and dedication of our staff members over the last two years to successfully develop and implement key safeguarding improvements.
“We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for our patients, and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement. This nomination has been a tremendous boost and I am sure it will bolster our continued efforts to continue to build upon and further improve our services.
“Kelly very much embraces an approach rooted in empowerment, which supportively nurtures practitioners and enables them to develop in both confidence and competence.
“With Kelly’s guidance, primary care practitioners collaboratively develop and introduce new safeguarding systems and processes, enabling them to improve their recognition and response to safeguarding concerns, thereby protecting people from harm and abuse more effectively.”
The team has been shortlisted despite the tough competition from hundreds of applicants. The work initially involved Dr Ali Robins, before she moved off Island, and is endorsed by a host of GPs on the Island.
Cuke: A heartfelt thank you on behalf of Island GP practices
Dr Oliver Cule, and lead for safeguarding at Bay Medical Centre, said:
“It has been revolutionary to have someone dedicated to safeguarding issues from a primary care perspective, who understands the particular challenges that arise in our daily work.
“The impact of this work has resulted in the development of systems and processes which effectively identify, monitor and support the referral of people at risk (all ages), swiftly safeguarding them from known or suspected harm or abuse.
“This includes referral and information sharing with multi-agency safeguarding hubs, high risk domestic abuse forums and multiagency risk management meetings.
“Practitioners have also improved their practice in relation to listening to the voice and lived experiences of children, as well as improved their understanding of mental capacity and how to support people in making their own choices and decisions in life, for as long as they are able to do so.
“Practitioners are more skilled in ensuring that people’s experience of safeguarding is personalised, discussing and agreeing care and safety plans with them and making sure they are person-centred.
“On a personal level Kelly has been excellent to work with. She’s dedicated, proactive and easy to approach.
“On behalf of GP practices on the Island I would like to say a heartfelt thank you.”
Vernon: “A brilliant mentor, manager and friend”
Kelly Vernon said:
“Mandy has been a brilliant mentor, manager and friend and without her full support these changes and improvements wouldn’t have happened.”
Full list of nominees
The full list of nominees for the 2020 HSJ Patient Safety Awards can be found on the Website.
Winners will be selected ahead of the ceremony, which will take place virtually as part of the Patient Safety Virtual Congress and Awards in November 2020.
News shared by Priya on behalf of Isle of Wight CCG. Ed
