Winners of the 2016 “Southern Innovation Challenge”

Media Release

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Southern DHB today announces the winners of the 2016 “Southern Innovation Challenge”

More patients requiring carpel tunnel syndrome release surgery will benefit from streamlined surgery and less waiting times following the announcement of the winner of the 2016 “Southern Innovation Challenge.”

First place was awarded to the Orthopedic and Surgical Outpatient teams, at Southland Hospital for their innovative idea of the “Carpel Tunnel Funnel – One Stop Shop Carpal Tunnel Surgery in the Outpatient Clinic.”

The “One Stop Shop” means that patients requiring carpel tunnel release surgery have their first consultation with a specialist and their surgery all in the same day resulting in fewer visits to the hospital and less waiting time.

The teams, who have already successfully piloted the “One Stop Shop” were awarded up to $5,000.00 which will be used to purchase their own surgical equipment, rather than using equipment in the main operating theatres.

“The “Carpel Tunnel Funnel – One Stop Shop” fits perfectly with the DHBs values, the seven priorities for patients, and the seven priorities for staff.  It values patient’s time, as it provides our staff more time to focus on patients,  and above all, is a great example of liberating innovation,” said Executive Director Organisational Development and Performance, Mike Collins.

Winners left to right: Paul Rae, Jo Hunter and Jo Clark

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Rae said, “The teams are delighted with winning the Challenge. The one-stop-shop approach reduces patient’s waiting time for their surgery and guarantees their procedure on the day at a specified time.  By the teams having their own equipment this will also take pressure off the main theatre lists which is a win-win situation for everyone.”

The “Carpel Tunnel Funnel – One Stop Shop” was one of six winning ideas. Other successful entries included:

1. The Community Oral Health Service for an online oral health enrolment form

2. Mental Health Community Day Programmes for sensory awareness tools like Fitbits, to introduce and encourage consumers to identify and manage emotional distress

3. A group representing Pharmacy, Infectious Diseases, and Southern Community Laboratories, to support and make it easier for prescribers to access the most up-to-date antimicrobial guidelines from any smartphone

4. An MRI compatible DVD system to decrease the need for sedation and general anaesthetic, by reducing the feelings of claustrophobia when patients, especially children, require an MRI.

5. ‘Twiddle treasures’ which are distractions for patients with dementia/delerium to help them settle.

Southern DHB Director of Performance, Cherie McConville said “All the ideas presented to the panel were really valuable and demonstrate what innovative staff we have here at Southern DHB.  However, the winning idea stood out as it is a new streamlined approach for those waiting for carpel tunnel release which can be rolled out across the district.

“Southern Innovation Challenge is in its fourth year, and we’re delighted that a record number of twenty seven applications were received this year.  Besides the winners, 12 other ideas will receive support. This is a great result, and is a reflection of the caliber of the applications received.”

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­The winners will be able to follow through with their proposal with the help of prize money and organisational support.

ENDS

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