A WARD housekeeper at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch is up for a prestigious award for providing the best care for patients.

The national Infection Prevention Society (IPS) Awards chose Sue Arthur among the finalists in the link practitioner of the year category.

Sue had recently received an internal award recognising her efforts and leadership to achieve high standards of infection prevention, improving patient safety and providing the best care for patients during her time on ward 5.

This has since seen her nominated for the national award.

On being nominated, Sue said: “I am extremely honoured and proud to be nominated for link practitioner of the year award.

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the infection prevention and control team for their continued support and guidance for patient safety, and look forward to working together towards good practice in infection prevention and control in future.”

Sue’s role is to liaise with all staff regarding infection prevention practice which can vary from leading ward infection control audits to cleaning equipment when staff are providing patient care.

Matron Reena Rane said: “Sue is always proactive and is not afraid to challenge any practices professionally.

"Hand hygiene and infection control adherence on ward 5 has improved since Sue’s commencement. Sue always goes that 'extra mile' to help staff and is a pivotal part of our journey at improving outcomes for our patients."

Tracey Cooper, from infection prevention and control, added: “Our ward housekeeper role within the trust has made a big impact by supporting all staff to comply with hand hygiene and environmental cleanliness, including completing audits and competency training.”

“Sue is extremely proactive in ensuring audits are completed and results and feedback are communicated across the clinical teams. It doesn’t matter who you are in the organisation - if you enter Sue’s ward you will be challenged if you are not adhering to our key standards for infection prevention.”

“We are delighted that she has been shortlisted.”