Enterprising design to monitor critically ill patients wins University's Nursing Challenge

The Nursing Challenge, organised by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, tasked individual students and teams with formulating ideas that might improve nursing practice or process. All entrants completed an initial concept form to introduce their idea and four were chosen to present before a panel of ‘dragons’, comprising key stakeholders from the nursing and business world.

Sarah’s design focuses on fluid balance in critically ill patients and provides a more visual way of identifying if nurse intervention is needed.

Sarah, an adult nursing diploma student at the Knowledge Spa in Truro, said: “I am so pleased to have won the Nursing Challenge and feel like this is a huge achievement both personally and in terms of better health developments for patients. I would love to think that my innovation, in some small way, could have an impact on the future care of our patients – it is very exciting.”

She was presented with her award from Christina Quinn, Associate Director of Workforce & Organisational Development at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust. Christina said: “I was so impressed with all four candidates, the quality of their ideas plus the commitment they showed to improving patient care was quite motivating. Each candidate had a strong commitment to the delivery of innovation in nursing care which led me to the view that there is still much to learn from our students.”

The event also featured a recruitment and careers fair with many local NHS trusts attending.

Ann Humphreys, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, within the University’s Faculty of Health, Education and Society, said: “Our nursing students rose to the Nursing Challenge and exceeded expectations in their enterprise and creativity. The competition for a place in the final was strong and the four finalists are to be congratulated on their innovative ideas for improving patient safety, care and experience. Sarah Richards’ winning idea was simple and low cost with the potential for development.”

Elsewhere, Plymouth University nursing students praised their placement by nominating the Coronary Care Unit at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust for a national award at the Nursing Times Awards. It was announced the winner at an award ceremony earlier this month. This placement had been arranged and supported by Plymouth University.

Val Heath, Associate Dean of the University’s Faculty of Health, Education and Society, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Coronary Care Unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has won this award after being nominated by Plymouth University students. We have worked together for many years with our placement providers to develop innovative and dynamic systems and processes to ensure the student experience is of high quality. To achieve this recognition through student applause means we are on our way to achieving our aim.”

ENDS