The Health Quality and Safety Commission’s Open for Leadership Awards are given out monthly to DHBs around the country – two a month from February to November.
Each month two DHBs are asked to put forward one candidate in the first five years of their career or clinical practice, who has shown clear emerging leadership qualities and made a difference to patient care.
Six nominations were received by the Hauora Tairawhiti Board. One of the nominees will receive an Open for Leadership Award trophy, funding for training of their choice and national recognition.
One of Hauora Tairāwhiti’s nominees is profiled below.
Health Quality and Safety Commission Open for Leadership Award nominee, Te Whare Awhiora Registered Nurse Rachel Malone.
HQSC Emerging leader nominee Rachel Malone became a Registered Nurse three years ago and works at Te Whare Awhiora
"It is really exciting to be nominated, I am overwhelmed," she says.
"Thank you to all of my colleagues."
Acute Mental Health Service Manager Anne Prince, says Rachel has continued to grow as a leader from being a new Graduate Nurse to now.
“She is now extending her role to include quality initiatives on the ward and I know she will be a leader in mental health in the future.”
In the past year alone Rachel has become a ward champion for sensory modulation – motivating the team to revamp the sensory room on the ward and promoting its use in the care and comfort of patients.
Rachel has also joined the Ending Seclusion Group, working towards the goal of a seclusion free Tairāwhiti in 2020 and has been instrumental in motivating other nurses to attend the group, and give feedback suggestions.
This year Rachel motivated the team to meet a DAA Group audit requirement to provide evening activities for people on the ward.
“She examined each staff members ‘talents’ and came up with a list of appropriate activities which help alleviate boredom for patients on weekends and evenings,” says Anne.
“This has improved the patient experience especially for people who are on the ward for a while.
“Rachel has taken on another quality project to improve the efficiency of staff handover. This has the potential to reduce errors and improve overall quality of care.”