GIRFT’s highly successful non-medical network for colleagues working to improve preoperative assessment (POA) has been recognised with a top award in the 2024 Nursing Times Awards.
The POA network, established in 2022, was set up as part of GIRFT’s theatre productivity work, which supports providers and systems to maximise the effectiveness and throughput of their surgical theatres through improvements across the surgical elective pathway.
There are now more than 320 members of the community, benefiting from continuous peer-to-peer sharing of information and ideas. As well as hosting GIRFT best practice guidance and other resources, the network offers a highly active forum where members can seek and/or offer support, discuss their challenges and share advice, examples and resources with one other. Regular monthly network meetings are also held.
GIRFT’s national lead for POA, Emma McCone, and a group of regional POA leads were at a glittering evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London to pick up the top award in the Theatre and Surgical Nursing category.
The judges said they were “impressed by the network’s focus on partnership, collaboration, and inclusion, reflecting the passion, determination, and leadership demonstrated by those behind it” and added that they were “inspired and look forward to seeing the project’s continued impact on the future of patient care”.
“Our non-medical POA network has been inspirational to so many teams across the country, so to be recognised at the Nursing Times Awards is so rewarding. I’m extremely proud as the network chair of everyone who continues to collaborate and share best practice by working together so collaboratively, ensuring we are always striving towards the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
“The GIRFT non-medical POA network is the first of its kind, bringing together POA leaders from across England and allowing this crucial service for elective recovery to develop a single voice. It has enabled GIRFT to work with every pre-assessment team across the country to rapidly develop and test new models of care for the NHS to ensure our patients are supported to get the treatment they require. I am so proud of Emma for developing this network into a thriving ecosystem for sharing and collaboration. With her leadership, empathy and drive, she has created a network that will drive forward improvements for our patients and ensure the non-medical voice is heard.”
The Nursing Times Awards are run annually to shine a light on the brightest talent in the profession and recognise those making nursing innovative, patient-focused and inclusive.
