Patient feedback helps centre excel

The staff at Canberra's Brindabella Endoscopy Centre are already looking forward to 2023.

Not because the first six months of 2022 were so difficult – far from it.

In fact, the private clinic is hoping to build on the lessons that led to nominations in two categories at this year's ACT Health Nurses and Midwives Excellence Awards, and next time take home the prizes.

The certificates for being shortlisted in the 'Excellence in Clinical Practice' and 'Excellence in Quality Improvement or Research Practice' categories are prominently placed to inspire staff to keep up the good work.

"The certificates are now displayed in reception to remind the team of how hard we have worked," CEO/Director of Nursing Della Trute said.

"These are some of the biggest awards in the territory and anything we can do to recognise our staff and show the community what we are achieving in this space is worthwhile having up on the wall."

The centre has been able to make great improvements this year after soliciting more feedback from patients, with 91 percent now responding following treatment compared to 54.7 percent in January.

Ms Trute said it had provided clear insight into the clinic's strengths and helped it make changes where needed.

"Thankfully 99 percent of consumer feedback has been really positive, with high praise for our nurses and the way they make people feel so welcome," she said.

"It has enabled us to increase our staffing levels so everyone feels much more settled in their role, as satisfied staff then translates to satisfied patients."

Founded in 1995 by a group of six gastroenterologists, Garran-based Brindabella Endoscopy Centre has been part of the Cura Day Hospitals Group since 2008.

Its medical procedures involve detailed internal body examinations using a range of anaesthetics, which require specialist skills to keep patients safe.

This year has seen a focus on education and training to improve the team's clinical practice skills, including a switch from using a portable Automated External Defibrillator to the manual type used in emergency departments.

"We have done anaesthetic airway training and we are about to do basic life support training with the ALS (Advanced Life Support) component," Ms Trute said.

"If something is going to happen, nine out of 10 times the anaesthetist is not present and we do not have backup, we have to wait for an ambulance, so we are the first line of defence.

"Our doctors have noticed the upskilling and have commented that they are impressed with the knowledge of our staff."

Ms Trute said she cannot wait for next year's ACT Excellence awards to come around.

"I look forward to sharing our story with the territory in coveted events such as these moving forward," she said.

"Brindabella is an amazing facility, in a beautiful location with great staff.

"Our dedicated and skilled staff all play their part in creating such a positive environment with high-level patient care, from the nurses to the admin staff, cleaners and hospitality workers.

"The senior staff dedicate a lot of time into training and supporting the newer staff to enable them to have a firm foundation and knowledge of endoscopy."

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