A paediatric doctor in training from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) has been awarded a top prize for his exceptional work on a quality improvement project as part of a regional programme.

Dr Vivek Kalra, who has worked at the trust for three years, submitted the project as part of The Chief Residents' Leadership and Management Programme which is run by Judge Business School, Cambridge University.

His project looked at restructuring the delivery of the nurse-led service on the Children's Day Ward at NNUH, and was not only acknowledged by the programme as being exceptional, but it is already seeing massive benefits for patients and for the Trust.

The team led by Dr Kalra introduced a new booking system, a new electronic referral system, more dedicated medical cover and a new pathway of care. The benefits of his project include enhanced patient experience, improvements in patient flow and an increase in the number of specialised paediatric procedures carried out.

Dr Kalra said: 'I am thrilled to have received the top prize for the project. I have really enjoyed being part of the Chief Residents' Programme as it has been an opportunity to build on my own skills, as well as an opportunity to enhance the service delivered on the Children's Day Ward. The whole paediatric team has really welcomed the changes and they have commented on how beneficial it has been. I've been supported by a fantastic team during the programme, and I'd like to thank all those who have assisted with the project. I would definitely recommend any senior trainees to look into taking part in the Chief Residents' Programme.'

Other staff members from NNUH who were appointed as Chief Resident and submitted a project as part of the programme include Sarah Abdulla in radiology, Beth Gibson in obstetrics and gynecology, Ryan Wood in orthopaedics, Alex Reid in plastics, Garry Dawson in older people's medicine, Lalani Induruwage in anaesthetics and Peter Goon in dermatology.

Medha Sule, NNUH director of medical education said: 'We are delighted that Vivek has received first prize in the Chief Residents' Leadership and Management Programme. The dedicated work from Vivek and all chief residents from NNUH has been absolutely fantastic. As a big teaching hospital, this programme has allowed us to provide NNUH staff with a great opportunity to continue learning and developing their skills within their role.'

Mark Davies, NNUH chief executive said: 'It is important that our staff are offered additional teaching opportunities to support their role, and The Chief Residents' Programme reflects how much we value training and education at the trust. A massive congratulations to Vivek for receiving the top prize.'

The primary aim of the Chief Residents' Leadership and Management Programme is aimed at giving senior trainees the opportunity to develop leadership and management skills, with the final project being a big component of the programme.

The programme is aimed at early career doctors, specifically senior trainees and GPs, who are likely to remain clinically focused during their career and are keen to engage with management challenges. The goal of the programme is to make these doctors more effective as clinicians and future leaders of healthcare delivery.