RCN launches hunt for best nurse innovation

Published: 03 November 2010

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (3 November) announced it was searching for the nation’s best nurse-led innovation, with the winner announced in January 2011.

As part of the RCN’s Frontline First campaign, nurses have been invited to submit examples of innovative practice where they work. So far hundreds of examples have been submitted from across the country.

Nurses have shown they are leading the way with innovative practice in areas as diverse as Venous Thromboembolism management, community children’s services and rapid access chest pain clinics.

A judging panel will shortlist entries and nurses and other stakeholders will be able to view and vote on the finalists. Innovations already submitted will be automatically included for the awards.

To stand a chance of winning, nurses will be asked to show how their innovation has improved the service and also the potential for their innovation to be rolled out across the UK.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

“It is clear from our Frontline First campaign that there are many nurse-led innovations which are improving care for patients and also helping the NHS work more efficiently. Many of these are quiet heroes of the NHS – making improvements in NHS care but not necessarily realising that what they are doing is an ‘innovation’.

“The Frontline First Innovation Award will not only provide recognition to nurses for the amazing work they do but will also emphasise to the wider world why nurses should be at the heart of NHS policy and practice.”

Nurses can submit their innovation to www.rcn.org.uk/frontlinefirst. Entries are invited until 1 December.

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Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.