A NEW approach to care of patients in Gwent who require urinary catheters, is reducing the amount of time such devices are needed, and cutting related infections.

The improvements are among several in different areas of patient care, achieved during the first year of 1,000 Lives Plus, an NHS Wales-wide drive to boost the quality of patient care and reduce avoidable harm.

More focused care and removal of catheters as soon as possible are key factors that have led to the overall number of days patients have the device in place being cut by almost a quarter (24 per cent), in turn leading to a reduction in urinary tract infections.

The improvements followed the introduction of what Aneurin Bevan Health Board infection control chiefs call a urinary catheter care 'bundle', a group of interventions that work more effectively together, rather than individually. They include daily assessment of patients, ensuring catheters remain clean and continuously connected, and emptying as soon as required.

The 'bundle' has been introduced across a range of acute hospital and community wards, and in nursing homes.

"Urinary tract infections associated with the use of catheters are a real health concern due to complications and frequent recurrence," said Liz Waters, lead nurse for infection prevention and control.

"Fastidious care of urinary catheters and making sure they are removed as soon as possible, can greatly reduce the occurrence of infections."

Improvements for patients in other specialties include: Specialist treatment within 24 hours for patients suffering a mini-stroke (Transient Ischemic Attack) The introduction of the clot busting treatment thrombolys is tailored to patients' needs, helping transform recovery and rehabilitation More rapid assessment and treatment for pregnant women with life threatening condition Specifically focusing on preventing sepsis (blood poisoning) and blood clots Prevention of development of thrombosis (blood clots) in patients through improved assessment Enhanced care following surgery resulting in shorter hospital stays Reducing falls in hospital wards and in the community by better risk assessment and reporting

The 1,000 Lives Plus programme is a five-year initiative launched last May, following the 1,000 Lives campaign, which pledged to save 1,000 Lives that might otherwise have been lost, and prevent 50,000 avoidable incidences of harm, by improving healthcare.

Patient safety is at its heart, and Dr Alan Willson, director of 1000 Lives Plus, said progress has been impressive.

"The dedication of staff in helping to implement new ways of working has been inspiring and helps ensure patients receive quality care, appropriate to their needs, each and every time," he said.