'Remarkable' team behind RVR-AGP research study presented with annual award
The team behind an innovative research study which aims to improve the safety of carrying out Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) has been presented with the Annual Making a Difference Award.
The Rapid Video Recording of Aerosol Generating Procedures (RVR-AGP), which was named as the winner of the Research and Innovation Award at this year’s virtual award ceremony, is a collaborative study in partnership with Rolls-Royce which uses ultra-high speed cameras to capture the movement of tiny fluid droplets created when carrying out AGPs, specifically tracheostomies, on patients who have tested positive for Covid-19.
The path of the droplets is then tracked allowing the estimated spread of pathogens to determine how safe operating theatres are – with this data then being used to create new, safer ways of carrying out these procedures.
Although the full findings of the study are yet to be delivered, initial data suggests that the improvements made as a result of this work have improved safety measures for theatre staff.
Chief People Officer, Amanda Rawlings, presented the award to members of the team, and praised their work and the safety improvements it has brought to theatres:
“The work that you and your colleagues have done is quite remarkable. I’m completely in awe of everything you’ve achieved, and of the partnership working you’ve demonstrated with Rolls-Royce, so I want to say a huge thank you on behalf of everyone at the Trust.”
Professor Owen Judd, Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon and Associate Director for Undergraduate Education, is the co-lead for the study and expressed his delight at receiving the award.
He said: “In all honesty, it was an honour and a surprise when the project was announced as the winner of this award. There are so many other amazing research and innovation projects on the go at UHDB that are all doing incredible things, so to be singled out as the winners of this award was quite something.”
Mr Bindy Sahota, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon and co-lead for the study, said that this shines a light on some of the incredible research that is going on at UHDB and thanked colleagues from Rolls-Royce for their commitment to the cause.
He said: “I would like to say, on behalf of the whole team, a huge thank you to everyone involved, especially those at Rolls-Royce. I also want to say a special thanks to our colleagues at UHDB Mr Mark Johston, Mr Thomas Stubington and the entirety of the medical team for their tireless work, as well as Dr Nima Mottacki from Sweden.
“We’re quite understated when it comes to research and innovation at the Trust – there are so many amazing projects on the go. So to be chosen as the winner means a lot.”