A BOARD game about faeces created by a Betsi Cadwaladr nurse has won an award.

The game invented by a Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board nurse has won an NHS innovation award from the Academy of Fabulous Stuff.

The Academy of Fabulous Stuff celebrates best practice examples and innovative solutions within the NHS.

Game of Stools won the Piccalilley award which was voted for by healthcare professionals which is an award that celebrates the best ‘share’ from the Academy of Fabulous Stuff’s social media accounts.

The game teaches players about clostridium difficile.

Ysbyty Gwynedd infection prevention nurse Gareth Pierce-Jones came up with the game concept to help staff learn about clostridium difficile in a fun and interactive way rather than in traditional lecture style training.

Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile or C. diff, is a bacterial infection that can infect the bowel and cause diarrhoea. The infection is a challenge in healthcare because it can spread easily to others.

Clostridium difficile infections often occur in places where many people take antibiotics and are in close contact with each other, such as hospitals and care homes but it can also often spread in other community settings too.

Gareth said: “My game is very informal and more relaxed than lecture theatre training. It encourages discussion between players.

“All the question cards and facts are designed to increase staff knowledge and confidence around clostridium difficile, to ensure patients are cared for safely. I wanted to keep it entertaining so for example, you win ‘brownie’ points for answering questions correctly.

“There are lots of ways to win the game which means that it often becomes very competitive when people play.”

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