Plymouth nursing graduate's innovative design to be piloted in South West hospital

An innovative and award-winning idea by a Plymouth University adult nursing graduate is being developed in one of the South West’s biggest hospitals.

Sarah Richards won the University’s 2012 Nursing Challenge with her fluid balance design which monitors intake and loss in critically ill patients, providing a more visual way of identifying if nurse intervention is needed. Her idea is due to be piloted at Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, where she now works in intensive care, with the hope it could be rolled out further.

Since winning the competition last year, she’s presented her innovation to nursing peers and has joined a panel of professionals to bring about change to fluid balance management.

Sarah said: “Plymouth University’s Nursing Challenge is a fantastic platform for both innovation and commitment to develop positive outcomes for the future of our health service. Since winning the competition last year my nursing career has flourished and I have been fortunate to meet and be continually inspired by many healthcare professionals.

“I would like to think that my journey will inspire others as I have been, and that the Nursing Challenge continues to attract forward thinking, proactive individuals who will innovate dynamic ideas within their chosen fields of their careers.”

Sarah returned to the University recently to speak to students taking part in the 2013 Nursing Challenge, where she also judged the finalists.

The Nursing Challenge, organised by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, tasked individual students and teams with formulating ideas that might improve nursing practice or process. All entrants completed an initial concept form to introduce their idea and five were chosen to present before a panel of ‘dragons’, comprising key stakeholders from the nursing and business world.

This year’s winner was Carl Brooks-Plunkett with his idea to provide specialist trained volunteers to care for sick children and allow parents to take a much needed break.

Carl, 21, is currently in his third year of a child health nursing degree. He said: “My design is based around holistic care for children, young people and their families whilst they are in hospital. The idea exists to provide a respite service for parents of children who are resident on our wards and in our hospitals.

“It feels great to win as it is really encouraging to see that others share in this vision for holistic care that can help us to move the NHS forward in providing the highest standard of care.”

The event also featured a recruitment and careers fair, with many local NHS trusts attending. Dr Ann Humphreys, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “Our nursing students rose to the Nursing Challenge and yet again exceeded expectations, demonstrating their world-class innovation and commitment to improving nursing care.

“Sarah has enjoyed fantastic success since winning last year’s competition and her story is inspiring and motivating for current students. It’s fantastic to see that our graduates are making a significant impact in helping develop the quality of patient care in practice.

“I’d like to thank everybody involved and especially our NHS partners who continue to support us and provide vital links between education and practice, thus helping students develop their employability skills in preparation for their future.”