Mary Williamson: A Pioneer in Infection Prevention and Control
Mary Williamson, Lead Nurse, has been named a finalist in the Infection Prevention and Control category. Her groundbreaking work in standardising the management and documentation of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) has set new benchmarks for patient safety and care quality. In response to a spike in CRBSIs within a brief period and specific region in May 2022, Mary spearheaded a comprehensive national review of existing processes. Her initiatives included the creation of a standardised Root Cause Analysis (RCA) form, the implementation of specific coding within the incident system, and the establishment of rigorous monitoring and benchmarking procedures. These efforts have not only streamlined CRBSI investigations and reporting but have also significantly improved patient outcomes across our services.

Jade Mickelson: Innovating Through Technology and Data
Jade Mickelson, another distinguished Lead Nurse, is a finalist in the Technology and Data in Nursing category. Jade’s leadership in integrating the Careology app into our clinical practices has revolutionised real-time toxicity monitoring and assessment in oncology care. This innovative collaboration empowers patients to actively participate in their care by logging their physical and emotional states, which then informs personalised care plans delivered by our clinical nurse specialists (CNS). By utilising the UKONS toxicity assessment triage tool, patients receive tailored guidance and support, while our oncology nursing teams benefit from a comprehensive overview of patient well-being, enabling proactive symptom management and improved care planning. Despite initial challenges in digital adoption, Jade’s dedication to patient education has significantly increased platform uptake, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology in enhancing patient outcomes.