Congratulations to Livewell Southwest’s Jan Potter whose work to increase the uptake of the flu vaccine by staff was shortlisted for a national Flu Fighter Award.
Livewell Southwest was one of four organisations, and the only social enterprise, in the running for the Innovation category in the annual awards run by NHS Employers.
The judges were looking for original and exciting strategies to improve uptake of the vaccine by staff, with a direct link to positive impact. Jan, head of health improvement for Livewell Southwest, introduced was nominated for her motivational interviewing approach.
Jan said: “We introduced motivational interviewing techniques into our flu campaign, which helped to avoid any definitive negative responses. This approach leaves the dialogue open for people to change their mind. No hard sell, no persuasion, no guilt, just gentle motivation.”
Health workers are encouraged to be vaccinated against flu each year, to prevent the infection spreading among vulnerable communities and to reduce the risk of catching flu themselves, leading to time off work and the effect that has on patient care.
Dr Adam Morris, chief executive, said: “I’m delighted that Jan’s work has been recognised at this national level, especially for such a key work programme. It’s vital that our staff get the flu jab each year, to protect themselves and the people we care for and support, and Jan and her team are central to making that happen. Introducing new ways of increasing uptake is challenging, and Jan is leading by example.”
The final award went to South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
