WINNER

Royal Devon University Healthcare FT

Minutes Matter: Redesigning Hyperacute Stroke Care at Pace

The hyperacute stroke pathway has been redesigned using human‑factors principles to deliver faster, safer and more reliable care. A new direct‑to‑CT process and Pitstop Door‑In Door‑Out (DIDO) model consistently achieve door‑to‑scan times under 15 minutes, enabling rapid identification and transfer of thrombectomy candidates. Enhanced triage, clearer team roles and reduced cognitive load support stronger decision‑making under pressure and improve multidisciplinary coordination. These improvements reduce lifelong disability, enhance patient experience and contribute to savings around £47,000 per patient in future care needs. Royal Devon University Hospital is the first trust in the South/Southwest to introduce Pitstop, setting a new regional standard.

Read a detailed case study about this project at HSJ Best Practice.

Highly commended

East London FT: DBT Comprehensive Treatment for Adolescents as a Treatment that Addresses Staff’s Emotions to Handle Risk and Improves Patient Safety

Finalists

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust: Coventry and Warwickshire Trauma Informed Vanguard project: Positive Directions

West London Trust: Pioneering Supervision for Introducing Human Factors in a High Secure Setting

Lewisham and Greenwich Trust: Catheter Focus

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital FT: Blending Human Factors and Improvement Magic!

Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals Group: The Human Factors Team and the Human Factors Faculty Improving Patient Safety and Culture Through Systems Thinking, Simulation, Usability Practice and Meaningful Conversations with Staff and Patients.

The Rotherham FT: Supporting Families After Early Pregnancy Loss

One Community Network – Central North West FT: One Community – A Thriving Vibrant Social Network

Topics

HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026: Winners revealed

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The winners of the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026 were announced last night, recognising outstanding efforts to make care safer.