A local NHS Trust has won a national award for helping to improve patient safety.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) - which runs Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford - has been recognised at the RLDatix Connected Healthcare Summit Awards 2026 for improving patient safety through better use of data, better teamwork and continuous improvement.

The Continuous Improvement Academy and the Quality, Safety & Compliance team at UHNM were presented with the 'Learning and Improvement Through Reporting and Safety Insight Award'.

The award recognised work with ward teams to identify challenges earlier, understand their performance and make improvements that support safer care for patients.

Gemma Wyse, continuous improvement practitioner and registered nurse, said: "When our category was announced, it was a really special moment.

"To have this work recognised nationally was a huge achievement and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate alongside colleagues from UHNM and reflect on how far this programme has come.

"This recognition isn't just for one project, it feels like recognition for the culture we have been working to build, by helping teams use data in a meaningful way, creating shared ownership of improvement and supporting continuous improvement as part of everyday work. Ultimately, this is about improving quality and safety for our patients."

The programme was first introduced on Ward 223 Short Stay Unit at Royal Stoke, where it supported the team's journey from Silver to Gold accreditation through UHNM's Care Excellence Framework.

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UHNM says the programme is now being introduced across the trust to help more ward teams use data effectively, identify opportunities for improvement and deliver safer, higher-quality care for patients.

Joe Potts, matron for quality and safety, said: "We couldn't have achieved this without the support and commitment of Ward 223 and Short Stay Unit.

"We provided the tools and support, but the ward team led the work themselves and made improvements that we hadn't seen before.

"This award recognises everyone involved and the power of teams working together to improve patient care."

The RLDatix Awards recognise health and care teams making a positive difference to patient safety, quality of care and how services are delivered.

Winners are selected by an independent judging panel and recognised for demonstrating the impact of their work.