DGT’s Safeguarding Teams win Best Use of Workplace Technology trophy at Nursing Times Workforce Summit and Awards

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is extremely proud to announce that our Safeguarding Children and Adults Teams won the award for Best Use of Workplace Technology at last night’s Nursing Times Workforce Summit and Awards.

The event recognises the best talent in workforce planning and highlights those making a difference, and our teams were awarded for the use of the virtual reality (VR) for the Trust’s Safeguarding Training Programme.

Our Safeguarding teams have worked jointly with Antser in implementing the use of VR, one of the first VR behaviour change programs designed for use in safeguarding, into their training in October 2020. Using hard-hitting VR films as case studies, they immerse users into the lives of children, young people and adults who have experienced abuse. Offering the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the child/young person and the life of an adult with addictions and experiencing domestic abuse in order to create empathy and increase confidence in recognition of risk factors.

Over 300 members of staff have been trained, with very positive outcomes for the hospital workforce whilst maximising better practice for vulnerable individuals.

Speaking of the win, the Trust’s Safeguarding Adults Lead, Gina Tomlin said: "Not for one minute did we think we would win, there was a very competitive field with some amazing projects.  Having the opportunity to use the VR headsets to deliver Family Focused safeguarding training has enriched the experience for all staff and allowed them to have an insight into the lives of some of our most vulnerable people and how to offer support at distressing times.  The training has been a huge success, and I am very proud to have been a part of it."

Sonya Stocker, Senior Sister for Safeguarding Children at DGT, added: "There were so many great finalists, it came as a bit of a shock.  When I first saw the VR demonstration at a conference three years ago I recognised the potential it had to create a more blended, immersive training experience but I never imagined how successful it would be. The feedback from our staff has been incredible; it was amazing be recognised by the Nursing Times Workface Summit for our hard work and innovation."

Well done to our Children and Adults Safeguarding Teams for their fantastic achievement!

We would like to thank Valley Hospital Charity for funding the headsets, and Anster for supplying the headsets and simulations which enabled the team to build the course content.