Star Alumni Series: Mauvena Rowe-Mason reflects on the FNF Green Leadership Programme
- June 14, 2023
- Star Alumni Series
“The day with RADA was one of the most memorable parts of the programme. I looked at the way I perceived myself versus how others perceive me, and focused on the way I present myself. It really opened my eyes, helped me think about giving solutions to problems, not just sharing problems."
Mauvena Rowe-Mason
Duty Manager Nurse, working for HCA Healthcare UK at London Bridge Hospital
Mauvena is a Duty Manager Nurse, working for HCA Healthcare UK at London Bridge Hospital. She was one of 18 graduates from our inaugural Green Leadership Programme, co developed and delivered with Nuffield Health, championing nurse-led environmental sustainability,
Each of the nurses in the programme took on the challenge of implementing a nurse-led quality improvement projects to support environmental sustainability at their workplaces. The leading to a total reduction in carbon footprint of 6000 kgCO2.
Mauvena’s project aimed to improve discharge time between ICU and the wards by increasing awareness around the importance of safe, early discharge of patients. Ultimately to have most patients discharged by 3pm. This was to reduce the carbon footprint of the unit (ICU bed uses more energy) and to improve patient care. We hear from Mauvena about how she found the programme and the continued impact that she plans to have on addressing sustainability.
“I didn’t even expect to get on the programme, I only submitted my application late in the eve the day before the deadline! I didn’t have many expectations but once I started I became really excited. I actually started off a bit too ambitious but realised I needed to focus on one area and do that well. I work mainly nights and it was during rounds at night that I identified the problem that my project addressed.
“I worked with the team to create a document to be completed by the Duty manager and given to the ICU nurse in charge that reflected the actual time of patient discharge as well as the reasons if patients were not discharged on time. Results were analysed on a case by case basis and a meeting was held at the end to discuss the data.
“Over the course of the pilot we saved over 670 kg of Co2, the equivalent of driving from London to Paris! It has also meant increased independence for the patients, more time spent with their families, savings in workforce planning and clinical resources, meaning financial savings too.
“The day with RADA was one of the most memorable parts of the programme. I looked at the way I perceived myself versus how others perceive me, and focused on the way I present myself. It really opened my eyes, helped me think about giving solutions to problems, not just sharing problems.
“Our programme group stays in touch via WhatsApp even after it has finished. We share fun things but it’s also a place for support and discussing work projects.
“As well as my project outcomes, discussions at team meetings as a result of the programme have led to 70% of our core documentation being shifted to online only, and soon it will be almost 100%. For example, the daily housekeeping list, the operational huddle, are all now done online before the bed meeting at 11am. This not only reduces use of paper but saves time and makes the round easier. I also plan to look at the clinical packs we have in the ICU. We could remove some items that are not needed. This has actually been inspired by someone else on the leadership programme who did this successfully with QI her project.
“Before this programme I didn’t think much about sustainability at work. I did have some concerns but wasn’t taking any action. Doing this programme has made a difference to me and to my whole team and better outcomes for the patients.”
Mauvena Rowe-Mason (pictured centre with Gemma Stacey FNF Deputy CEO on the left, and Caroline Smith Chief Quality and Operating Officer, Nuffield Health on the right)
“By making small incremental changes to practice we can scale across organisations to have a significant impact. We know that the greatest impact FNF can have on sustainability is through our alumni and membership community being empowered to lead disruptive change and influence others.”
Gemma Stacey, FNF Deputy CEO
If you would be interested in applying for the next Green Healthcare Leadership Programme, applications are now open. Find out more here.