STeLI wins HSJ award for patient safety

The London Deanery’s  world-leading simulation  healthcare training initiative  has won the 2009 Patient Safety  category  at the Health Service Journal Awards. This important national Award, sponsored by the National Patient Safety Agency, recognises services that demonstrate patient safety as being at the heart of an organisation’s culture.

Dr Ian Curran, the London Deanery’s Head of Innovation and Lead for STeLI said: “The London Deanery is committed to providing the best possible education for doctors in training. A high quality workforce requires high quality education - STeLI is harnessing technology and advanced educational techniques to highlight patient safety and promote clinical excellence. Research on simulation has shown that trainees who develop their skills on simulators learn faster and make fewer errors than those who do not. We are delighted that STeLI's innovative approach to healthcare training has been recognised."

The London Deanery was amongst over 1,000 entrants competing in this year’s HSJ awards and the winners were announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday 30 November. Commenting on winning the award for Patient Safety, Dr Curran continued: “This HSJ award underlines the importance of clinical education in promoting a 'patient safety' culture.  The use of simulation and advanced technologies allows healthcare staff to rehearse and refine their team working and crisis management skills in an entirely patient safe way.  Practice makes perfect!”

Picture shows a Paediatric Simulator Manikin at St Mary's Hospital, part of Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust.