Visit to Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Earlier this week, our chief executive Daniel Elkeles visited Queen's Medical Centre, part of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The evident sense of pride from staff and leaders in improving care for patients was the takeaway from a visit, which included walking the Urgent and Emergency Care pathway and visiting the newly refurbished regional neonatal unit.

Daniel said: "The Emergency Department (ED) has a footfall of around 600 patients a day, with around 150 ambulance arrivals. Historically ED performance has been poor but last year the trust was one of the most improved hospitals in the country.

"The ED team are proud this was recognised by receiving additional capital, some of which will be invested in improved staff facilities. One hospital corridor that had used to be regularly filled with patients remained empty during our visit, a day which was very busy for the department. Despite this, there is still work to do to ensure patients aren’t waiting in the emergency department or on ambulances longer than they need to.”

The strong hospital wide focus on patient flow has been achieved by:

🔵 ED focus on clinically navigating patients as soon as they arrive in ED.

🔵 Reducing 12 hour waits in ED by pulling patients to wards.

🔵 Having decongested ED a determination from the clinical teams to deliver care in four hours.

"There is lots others can learn from the attention to detail in the refurbished neonatal service. Creating an environment that feels calming and safe in a service that requires so much medical equipment is challenging.

"Some of the design features used in this programme included the use of time of day sensitive lighting, a colour palette that makes use of shades of teal which is both distinctive and relaxing, and use of wood in hand rails and fittings.

"Thank you to Nick, Anthony and the team for an uplifting and inspiring visit."