THE determination of staff at Warrington Hospital during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has seen them nominated for a national innovation award.

During the height of the pandemic, hospital staff came up with their own solution to the worldwide shortage of ventilators.

Instead of waiting for developments, staff looked into modifying technology already on site in an attempt to save more lives.

This not only provided the equipment they needed without delay, but also resulted in a saving of nearly £100,000.

Now, the hospital has been shortlisted for a London Business School Innovation Award, much to the delight of everyone who works there.

Steve McGuirk, chairman of Warrington Hospital, said: “Innovation is often a case of necessity, and that was certainly the case at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals after experiencing an international acute shortage of ventilators.

“The small team of consultants, nurses, physiotherapists and physiologists knew they needed to try something different.

Warrington Guardian:

“Rather than waiting for a new valve development, the Warrington team looked at modifying kit they already had to be used in a critical setting – the now famous ‘Black Box’.

“One of the team first tested them on fellow staff members before using them on patients.”

Black boxes are ordinarily used to help sleep apnoea patients with their breathing, but they were instead used as an alternative to ventilating those being treated for Covid-19.

Steve added: “It worked so well and is a classic example of ‘recombinant innovation’ in a time of need without delay.

“It also demonstrates that small innovations made locally by people just ‘doing their job’ can make a huge difference to people’s lives, and can in fact save them.

One of the categories in which Warrington Hospital is shortlisted is a ‘people’s vote’ category.

If you would like to vote for the hospital, click here.