NAMRIP team wins a Public Health England 'AMR Guardian' award for University Hospital Southampton

 

The University Hospital Southampton team, led by NAMRIP members, Dr. Hayley Wickens and Dr. Kieran Hand, both consultant antimicrobial pharmacists, was shortlisted in two categories at the inaugural Public Health England Antibiotic Guardian awards, held in Birmingham on 12 May 2016.

In the Antimicrobial Stewardship category, the team were recognised for their Hospital Antimicrobial Prudent Prescribing Indicator (HAPPI) audit work, where they collect data on the quality of antimicrobial prescribing for five patients per ward per month, across the hospital. These data are fed back to clinicians quarterly, and they are also taken to multidisciplinary meetings by the consultant microbiologist and lead pharmacist linked to each speciality. The team have also designed a new computer interface to make the entry of data by ward pharmacists quicker and easier. Other Trusts have already emulated the HAPPI methodology and the team has offered them the software.

The Staff Engagement category, all about how staff have promoted the Antibiotic Guardian and stewardship concepts within their organisation, was the second of the team's nominations to appear on the shortlist. On European Antibiotic Awareness Day, 18 November 2015, enlisting the help of the Southampton University Hospital pre-registration pharmacists, the team ran a stand outside the hospital restaurant. They gave out information on local use of antimicrobials; disseminated public health messages around appropriate antimicrobial prescribing; promoted the Trust’s antibiotic guideline smartphone app and helped 76 people to make their Antibiotic Guardian pledge (make yours now!). The team also ran a stewardship-themed crossword competition; a social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook, and a publicity campaign throughout the Trust, including speaking at a ‘Grand Rounds’ event that week. In recognition of the efforts of clinicians throughout the Trust in promoting good antimicrobial stewardship, and being good role models, the team have also started an annual ‘Rx Factor Awards’, based on nominations from their clinical colleagues.

Hosted by Public Health England, the awards ceremony was held in the splendid srroundings of Birmingham Town Hall and hundreds of delegates attended. Hayley Wickens, who attended the event just in case the team won something, was delighted to find that Southampton did indeed win - in the Staff Engagement category. A friendly fellow delegate snapped her with the award.