Thank You Event 2025: Making Stuff Better – Highly Commended
June 18, 2025
Every year we celebrate our amazing staff and their achievements at our Thank You ceremony. Board members will surprise colleagues at their bases and present them with a hamper, balloons and a certificate for being shining examples of our magnificent staff behaviours.
Rachael Ainley, Infection Control Nurse has been a driving force for digital innovations and implementations in the Infection Prevention and Control Team, improving the processes for staff whilst always keeping the patients at the centre of care delivery.
An example of this is the digitisation of the referral process for Head Start and a new Hand Hygiene Questionnaire to be used Trust-wide. By always taking a long-term view about what is best for the future of our patients and the Trust, this change has resulted in a more seamless referral process, ensuring that an equitable approach is made and that service is open to all. The process is much easier to follow and ensures that patients are seen in a timely manner.
The developments to the Hand Hygiene tool has increased the Trust’s assurance around the compliance of hand hygiene, greatly improves patient and staff safety and has enhanced accessibility, by adding in a QR code, so that people can have quick access and complete the questionnaire.
Rachael was nominated by Liz Grogan, Head of Infection Prevention and Control who said, “Where there was limited answers around improving compliance with hand hygiene in community settings, Rachael really has thought outside the box to come up with a new answer. She has always looked at new ways of working and has altered her approach when she has received feedback. Rachael has made a significant difference to these two particular examples of digital approaches. She has made a real difference to staff and most importantly the patients on the receiving end of our care, by helping us to help maintain a zero tolerance towards preventable healthcare associated infections (HCAI), which is a significant Trust and system priority.”
Rachael was presented the Making Stuff Better Award by Brodie Clark CBE, who said, “It makes such a difference to not only look within but also elsewhere and learning and bringing ideas from other areas to help the Trust. For your determination, your innovations and your forward thinking Rachael, we want to thank you.”
