Innovation and Improvement Projects

We encourage the use of quality improvement methodology when undertaking projects to improve care. Information about starting your own project can be found on the NHS improving quality website.

Current Projects

Improving the Management of Prolonged Seizures
Project Lead
Dr Neeraj Bhangu

Background
It is known, anecdotally and from other audits, that there is high morbidity and mortality for children with prolonged seizures. Contributors to morbidity include respiratory and/or cardiovascular compromise due to ongoing seizure activity. Any mortality, if due to failure to terminate a seizure in a hospital setting is unacceptable. 

Project Aims
A reduction in morbidity & mortality from prolonged seizures.

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Reducing Unescessary Admissions to Paediatric Assessment Units
Project Lead
Dr Seb Gray

Background
Anecdotally it was noticed that children were frequently returning following discharge from paediatric assessment units across Wessex. Many of these reattendances did not seem clinically necessary and I wanted to explore why this was happening and look for ways to reduce this.

Project Aims
Reduce unnecessary readmissions to paediatric assessment units whilst ensuring necessary readmissions re-present in a timely manner.

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Reducing the Variability of Paediatric Patients Admitted with Mental Health Problems
Project Lead
Dr Kayta Certic

Background
Young people with mental health problems form a particularly complex and vulnerable patient group, and can pose significant challenges when admitted to hospital acutely. During a hospital stay, they may be managed by a number of different teams, including CAMHS, Paediatrics and ED.  Communication and joint working between these teams is often limited, which can lead to significant variability in the care these patients receive.

Project Aims
Improve communication and joint working between the various teams involved in managing these young people in hospital, with the aim of reducing variability in the care they receive.

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Thames Valley & Wessex Paediatric Sepsis Screening Tool
Project Lead
Dr Helen Rutowska

Background
​Paediatric Sepsis Screening Tool developed by pan Wessex multidisciplinary group of clinicians to effectively screen all paediatric patients presenting to hospital acutely with illness for possible sepsis. This also assists with compliance with the current sepsis CQUINs.

Brief description including setting (e.g. ward based, community etc)
All unwell paediatric patients presenting to hospital can be screened at the front door by a first line member of staff of any grade for possible sepsis. This enables swift escalation of care if concerns are identified.​

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To publish the findings of your innovation and improvement project download and complete our innovation reporting form and email it to sophie.robertson@porthosp.nhs.uk

Examples of Innovation Reports:​
If you would like further advice about undertaking a project contact sophie.robertson@porthosp.nhs.uk or kate.pryde@uhs.nhs.uk