The dedication to improving patient and visitor experience at the Royal Sussex County Hospital has been featured as part of Star of the Month.
Brian Donnelly, a receptionist at the Louisa Martindale Building, who is the first point of contact for most visitors attending the hospital, nominated Senior Digital Communications Officer, James for his innovative and expert knowledge, perseverance, and willingness to listen and act on feedback.
Brian said: “Hospitals can be a difficult place to navigate due to their large scale and winding corridors. We had received feedback from patients and visitors who were struggling to find their way through the hospital to see loved ones or attend appointments.”
Hearing this feedback, James and his team embarked on a comprehensive review and revision of the signage at the Brighton hospital site with a clear goal, to create a navigation system that was accessible, clear, and user-friendly.
Since the new signage project was completed, the team have received outstanding feedback on the new, user-friendly, colour-coded navigation system. Additionally, the volunteers who regularly help patients navigate around the hospital have praised the clarity and effectiveness of the new signs and maps.
Brian adds: “James’s insight and willingness to go above and beyond to help have been crucial to the project’s success, making him a deserving winner for Star of the Month.
When awarded at a surprise presentation James said:
“This project is the first of many and we know there is still a lot of work to do across all our hospital sites. There is some great teamwork happening and I couldn’t have got this over the line without the fantastic support and work of the reception staff, volunteers and other colleagues.”
The success of this initial project is a testament to the technical expertise and dedication of James, his colleagues and volunteers. Their willingness to engage and act on suggestions was crucial in creating a system that truly met the needs of the hospital community.
This work not only improves the patient and staff experience but also embodies the values of the Trust. It is a shining example of how dedication and teamwork can lead to meaningful and lasting improvements for patients, visitors and staff.