More about the Finalists - Responsibility
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| Name : Max Reed Position : HoD Biochemistry Department : Biochemistry Site : Wellington SCL Wellington SCL holds the contract for laboratory testing in both the private and public setting, and is tasked with providing the best possible service to patients and referrers, while balancing financial constraints. To make this happen, we are constantly reviewing what we do, and how we do it, to make sure we are doing what is best for our patients and referrers. The Vitamin B12 testing review Max Reed undertook last year is an example of an initiative that is efficient and cost effective whilst delivering service excellence. Max has used research in demand management strategy, benchmarking and review of national and international trends, as well as following Choose Wisely principles to rationalise how B12 testing is carried out, to better serve referrers and patients. By updating requestors knowledge of the appropriate use of vitamin B12 testing, Max has been able to achieve a drop of 45% in vitamin B12 requesting in the 6 months since this initiative went live at Wellington Hospital. This reduction is associated with reduced reagent costs, reduced consumable costs, less wear and tear on instrumentation, more capacity for more effective and appropriate testing, while retaining the detection rate for deficiency while doing less tests. | |
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| Name of Team : Haematology Department A Haemophiliac patient required surgery to remove a tumour from his thigh but due to his condition, would require 6-hourly testing for 7-14 days until his wound was fully healed. Patient was also on a drug trial which further complicated his care plan. The haematology staff developed and validated a suitable post-operative test that could be conducted on-site at the required times (currently there was nothing suitable that was available). The staff sought and were granted funding for these tests which not only would benefit the patient in his recovery but any similar patient in the future. Funding was granted by the DHB and Roche. Testing was conducted hourly during surgery then 6-hourly for the following 9 days. Staff not only developed the test, they amended their rosters to ensure staff were available 24/7 to conduct testing. Surgery was completely life changing for the patient who was discharged 2 weeks later. The WSCL Haematology staff have demonstrated that they are innovative, progressive and passionate who put their patient at the forefront of everything they do. |