Croydon’s respiratory teams recognised for their excellence in a time of crisis
The work of some of Croydon’s COVID-19 heroes has been shortlisted for a national excellence award today (Wednesday 28 April) in recognition of the outstanding care they provided during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Trust’s Critical Care Outreach Team (CCOT) and respiratory team are now finalists, in with a shot of securing in the ‘Excellence in times of crisis’ award for their efforts in adapting respiratory services to provide CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, outside of a critical care setting.
Their work allowed patients on general inpatient wards to receive enhanced critical care support across the hospital site, meeting the increasing needs of our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and freeing up capacity within our intensive care unit for the most seriously ill patients.
Belinda Baumgartner, ANP, Lead Nurse for the Critical Care Outreach Team said:
“Being nominated is an absolute honour for the team, it feels fantastic to be recognised for the work they have done over the past few months.
“We work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of specialists including doctors, nurses and respiratory physios providing critical care expertise across the hospital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a huge rise in demand for our service and quickly expanded our offering to ensure that patients who needed non-invasive ventilation could receive it, regardless of where in the hospital they were located.
“I am proud to work among some of the finest colleagues in the country. Sadly, we lost too many lives, but I also gather strength knowing we made a difference to many lives and the lives of their families”.
The Royal College of Physicians’ ‘Excellence in Patient Care Awards’ celebrate unique and innovative solutions in healthcare and winners will be announced in an awards ceremony held virtually on 26 May.
Yogini Raste, Consult Respiratory Lead said:
“This was the most challenging time we have ever experienced. Thanks to the incredible efforts of CCOT and our Respiratory team, including all the hard working ward nurses and junior doctors, we were able to expand our CPAP capacity several-fold to offer critical care to all patients who needed it. However, we mustn't forget the patients who sadly lost their lives, and their families.
“I am very proud to work with such great colleagues and I am glad this work has been recognised.”
Elaine Clancy, Chief Nurse and SRO for the Trust’s COVID-19 response said:
“This award nomination is testament to the outstanding efforts and dynamic thinking of Team Croydon throughout the pandemic.
“COVID-19 has been the greatest challenge that the NHS has ever faced and we have had to continually adapt and innovate, to continue to provide the best possible care to our patients.
“During the pandemic, patients required critical care at an ever accelerating rate, so being able to provide this type of care outside of our intensive care unit was crucial and, ultimately, helped to save hundreds of lives.”
The full list of nominations for the 2021 RCP Excellence in Patient Care Awards can be found here.
For more information contact the CHS Trust communications team on 020 8401 3959 or email chs.comms@nhs.net.