A hospital emergency team has been shortlisted for two awards after introducing new ways of working that have transformed patient care.

The team at Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath have introduced several new systems that have made sure people are being treated quicker and more efficiently.

This includes the Ambulatory Clinical Decision Unit (ACDU) and the development of the Sussex Acuity Matrix Score (SAMs), which is used to assess risk.

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These initiatives have significantly enhanced patient safety and improved patient flow by making sure critically ill patients receive timely access to beds while others are efficiently treated and monitored in the ACDU.

Since these new systems were introduced in 2023, the team has treated over 20,000 patients and has returned service levels to pre-pandemic standards.

As a result, the team is now up for two HSJ (Health Service Journal) Awards in the categories of Patient Safety and Performance Recovery.

Chris Ashcroft, hospital director, said: "It’s been a privilege to support these innovations and I’m extremely proud of the emergency department and the compassionate care they provide.

"A&E in particular can be extremely busy but the team have gone above and beyond to provide even better care for our patients.

"They truly deserve this shortlisting and recognition."

Salwa Malik, a consultant in emergency medicine and clinical lead for the emergency department at Princess Royal Hospital, said: “As you can imagine, we are utterly delighted, and it is wonderful to see our hard work appreciated and respected at national level. 

"Regardless of what happens now, to know we have been shortlisted for these awards is a phenomenal achievement.

"As a team, we have been determined to improve patient safety and keep flow going, I am so proud we have been able to achieve this.”

The awards aim to celebrate teams in the NHS who have been successful in delivering better outcomes for patients.

The next stages of the awards process will take place in October where Dr Malik will give a presentation about the emergency department improvements to the HSJ judging panel. 

The award winners will then be announced later this year.