A hospital worker is taking on the Great North Run this weekend to raise money to help fund a project which will improve patient safety at her place of work.

Emma Bijoux – a project manager for the East and North Herts NHS Trust which runs Stevenage’s Lister Hospital – is hoping to raise £1,000 by taking part in a series of charity challenges, including the Great North Run in Newcastle on Sunday.

The 32-year-old, who lives in Weavers Orchard in Arlesey, said: “I have had some issues with my legs, so my training has had to be cut down. It’s just really frustrating.”

She wants the money raised to go towards funding the implementation of recording patients’ observations electronically, instead of using pen and paper.

Emma, who was managing this project before being given another assignment, said: “The project ensures hospital policies on capturing vital signs for early warning of deterioration, triggering appropriate clinical responses and completing patient assessments are fully implemented across the NHS trust.

“By identifying deteriorating patients and automatically escalating them for clinical response, the project will help us raise care standards and deliver on national and local targets for improvements in care quality and patient safety.”

The Hitchin Running Club member began her fundraising effort in March when she completed the Windy25 Memorial 5k in Las Vegas. Since then she has completed two triathlons and the St Albans half-marathon – securing a personal best of two hours 16 minutes.

Emma has so far raised about £500, and will be running in the Standalone 10k in Letchworth on October 4 and the Love Luton Half Marathon on October 25.

To support Emma and the NHS trust’s project, which is currently being rolled out, visit her online charity page at www.justgiving.com/emmabijoux.