The brainchild of the hospital’s RMO Association, the Cannulation Challenge was implemented in a bid to increase the number of nurses accredited to cannulate – the art of inserting a thin tube into a vein or body cavity to allow intravenous drug administration – freeing up junior medical officers and improving patient care.

Since the challenge began in May, an additional 13 per cent of nurses across the five wards involved have undertaken the online training package and practical components of the course, in order to become certified.

The winners of the test – the surgical ward (otherwise known as Ward 4) – saw a 20 per cent increase in the number of nurses accredited.

Ward 4 staff were presented with a framed certificate last Friday and will receive a $300 gift voucher at a retail outlet of their choosing to go towards equipment for use in their tea room or social club.

Emma Maloney, secretary of the RMO Association and a resident medical officer, said she was “delighted” with the response.

“We wanted to provide some sort of incentive for nurses to be accredited,” she said.

“Thirty-one per cent of nurses are now accredited in the wards involved.

“We’re hoping the response to this will result in more nurses being keen (to undertake the course) in the future.”