Small screw makes a big difference in ward

Chan Man-nok
Advanced Practice Nurse
North District Hospital

After finishing the ‘Specialty Orientation Service’, junior nurses are more confident in handling work in the ward.

Minor changes at workplace are like screws – they seem insignificant, but smoothen the overall operation substantially. Young Achiever of the year, Chan Man‑nok endeavours to help streamline the workflow with his passion and attentive observations, making good use of his professional know-how to monitor and evaluate work procedures for higher efficiency, better patient safety for the best interests of patients, and those for fellow colleagues.

Being in the nursing field for 13 years, Man-nok has long been aware of how colleagues in the surgical ward are overloaded by the supervision of junior nurses, on top of their heavy clinical work. Therefore, he initiated a ‘Specialty Orientation Service’ programme and volunteered to provide a two-week intensive training course for new nurses. The programme enabled him to pass on the basics and skills on handling common and troubled cases in the ward so that junior nurses know how to deal with sudden incidents with calmness and confidence. Other colleagues pointed out that graduates of the course are more familiar with the work in the ward and thus easier to supervise. Also, Man‑nok often encourages and shows support to newcomers with his motto: You will never walk alone.

Chan Man-nok (front row, second left) works closely with his colleagues to enhance patient care and safety.

Moreover, Man‑nok actively engages colleagues in the discussion of patient safety enhancement. For example, he customised a stamp of a checklist to help check pre‑operative procedures, such as whether the patient is on medication, requires blood matching or suffers from any infectious disease so as to improve communication between colleagues in the surgical ward and operating theatre. Colleagues just need to put a tick or cross on the respective columns to avoid potential problems of jotting notes by hand under the old practice. This new practice allows clearer exchange of information and helps remind new nurses on what to pay attention to, so that they are less likely to make mistakes. The use of the stamp is now promoted in all wards in North District Hospital.

“Not only do I want to get my job done, but I also want to do it well” is the belief Man-nok adheres to. His simple but sound suggestions are the realisation of his belief, as well as reflecting his insights in the workflow in wards to pursue better quality.