Somerleigh Court Nursing Home, as part of the NHS Dorset Integrated Care Partnership, has won the prestigious Nursing Times Infection and Control Award 2024 for its Dorset Hydration Project – 'Every drop, every cup, and every bite counts'.

The Hydration Project, a pilot which took place in eight care homes, six acute hospital wards and two community trust wards from April 2023, aimed to tackle the serious issue of dehydration in older people. Dehydration is linked to an increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs), confusion and falls amongst older people and the campaign aimed to raise awareness of the many benefits of hydration and to actively increase fluid consumption amongst this demographic.

The upbeat and innovative campaign, which beat stiff competition from 10 other finalists from across the country, produced a range of educational resources about the benefits of hydration including leaflets, posters, hydration banners and hydration tabards for caring teams. Somerleigh Court staff dressed up as cows to highlight the campaign to residents, staff, and visitors to the home and they also set up a mobile trolley offering milkshakes, smoothies and ice-lollies to promote the many ways that fluid consumption can be increased.

The results of the pilot were impressive with all wards and care homes reporting a reduction in UTIs needing antibiotics, and falls requiring an ambulance. The award judges were impressed by the initiative's 'engaging, multidisciplinary approach' and concluded 'the team's passion and holistic vision left a lasting impact, making this innovative work a model for widespread adoption and transforming care across communities.'

Sharon Hill, general manager, Somerleigh Court Nursing Home, said:

"We were delighted to be part of this important, award-winning, campaign to promote and increase hydration amongst our residents. The results have been incredible with happier, healthier residents who are more willing to engage in activities, and a more positive atmosphere within the home. Families of our residents have also reported their relatives are more energetic and alert and that their sleeping patterns have improved."

Tina Arnold, Infection Prevention and Control Lead for NHS Dorset, said:

"We are thrilled to win the Nursing Times Infection and Control Award 2024 for the Dorset Hydration Project. It is a wonderful recognition of the unique approach, and success, of our campaign to increase hydration in older people in Dorset. The award acknowledges the superb collaboration of our colleagues in care homes and hospital settings across the county and their determination to improve the daily lives of those that they look after. 

"The real win for us however is in seeing the increased health and wellbeing of our patients and residents and we will be continuing to promote the vital message of hydration across Dorset in the future."

The Nursing Times Awards, bring together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent in the profession and recognise those who are making nursing innovative, patient-focused and inclusive.

The Dorset Integrated Care Partnership is a joint committee established by the Integrated Care Board (ICB), Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) and Dorset Council.

Somerleigh Court Nursing Home is a nursing home in Dorchester, Dorset which provides nursing, residential, dementia and palliative care for up to 40 residents.