The team at North Devon District Hospital have won the Enhancing Patient Dignity Award at the Nursing Times Awards 2018.

The Lundy Ward team won for their work to create an adaptable and enhanced side room called ‘The Snug’.

The side room is used as a day-to-day acute hospital bed, but when a patient with specific needs is admitted to the hospital, the room can be transformed into ‘The Snug’ with a few simple changes.

Darryn Allcorn, chief nurse at Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team on Lundy Ward. I know they worked really hard to make The Snug happen and this recognition from the Nursing Times is truly well deserved.

“Most importantly, The Snug has had fantastic feedback from patients since it launched in June. What started as just an idea has grown into something much more, and it couldn’t have happened without the outstanding compassionate care and determination of our nurses.”

‘The Snug’ gives patients and relatives a more private space when it’s needed most, or when patients with dementia or a learning disability are taken into hospital.

Jo Murdoch, staff nurse on Lundy Ward and led the project to create ‘The Snug,’ said: “The Snug is a place of safety, nurturing, understanding and guidance for patients and their loved ones. It’s a patient-led innovation – through listening to feedback from patients and their loved ones, we have developed a home-from-home environment where they can spend valuable time together when they need it most.

“This concept is far more than just a room with a kettle. It is about seeing the person behind the condition, building a deeper understanding of our patients and their loved ones to assist us with delivering their wants, wishes and beliefs. We want to share this concept and have a Snug on every ward at NDHT, and ultimately we would love to see every hospital across the country providing their patients with a similar environment and experience.”

The Nursing Times Awards are one of the biggest awards nights in the health and social care sector and celebrate excellence in nursing.