The colorectal nursing team at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals has won the Patient Safety Improvement Award at the 2025 Nursing Times Awards for their innovative, nurse-led approach to colorectal surgery.
The colorectal nursing team at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised nationally after winning the Patient Safety Improvement Award at the 2025 Nursing Times Awards, held in London on Wednesday 22 October.
The award was given in recognition of the team’s development of an early optimisation and ultra-enhanced recovery pathway in elective colorectal surgery. The nurse-led initiative takes a comprehensive approach to patient care, focusing on proactive pre-assessment, early medical optimisation, and streamlined recovery processes.
The initiative aims to improve outcomes by identifying and addressing medical risks before diagnosis, reducing procedural delays, and enhancing patient experience through earlier interventions. This is achieved through a combination of innovative joint clinics and the use of a virtual ward system designed to support patients remotely throughout their recovery.
As a result, the programme has led to measurable improvements in 62-day cancer treatment targets, reduced same-day cancellations, shorter hospital stays, and lower readmission rates, all while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction.
Judges at the Nursing Times Awards commended the team for their “innovative approach to reviewing the entire pathway” and for adopting a learning-based model that placed safety and efficiency at its core. They described the team as “passionate and proactive,” highlighting their collaborative approach and continued commitment to improving standards of care.
The project was recognised as a significant redesign of the entire colorectal surgery led and implemented by nursing staff — that integrates patient safety, timeliness, and quality outcomes as default standards of care.
Rana Madani, Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon, Colorectal Cancer and Enhanced Recovery Lead at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, praised the team’s dedication and innovation. “I am immensely proud of our colorectal nurses, whose hard work has been recognised through this outstanding achievement,” he said.
“Winning the prestigious Nursing Times Award, especially when up against exceptional teams from across the country, is a true reflection of their nursing excellence. They have gone above and beyond, worked collaboratively, and made a significant improvement to our patients’ care. An amazing achievement and a truly well-deserved award.”
Chief Nurse Jay Dungeni also commended the team’s efforts, noting the wide-reaching collaboration behind the project. “I’d like to extend huge congratulations to the team on this outstanding achievement,” he said.
“It’s a testament to the innovation, commitment, and collaborative work of our senior specialist nurses, the entire colorectal team, and the supporting administrative and management staff. This initiative has made a meaningful difference to patient care, and it’s wonderful to see that impact recognised so widely.”
The Nursing Times Awards celebrate excellence across the nursing profession, recognising individuals and teams who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and improved patient outcomes across healthcare services in the UK.
Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides care for more than 410,000 people across Runnymede, Spelthorne, Woking, and parts of Elmbridge, Hounslow, and Surrey Heath. The Trust employs around 4,400 staff and operates from Ashford Hospital and St Peter’s Hospital, with some services delivered at Woking Community Hospital and other local sites.
In 2024/25, the Trust’s teams saw more than 120,000 patients in the Emergency Department, carried out over 54,000 inpatient and day case procedures, and delivered more than 2,700 babies. The Trust is also home to Surrey’s leading Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit and a nationally recognised Centre for Endometriosis and Minimally Invasive Gynaecology.
