Chief Nursing Officer for England visits UHNM

University Hospitals of North Midlands has been recognised for its strong nursing leadership and focus on staff and learning from patient experience by the country’s lead nurse.

Duncan Burton, NHS England Chief Nursing Officer visited Royal Stoke University Hospital on Friday 1 May to see teams working together to deliver high quality, joined up care through workforce development, research and engagement.

During the visit, Duncan heard from colleagues about UHNM’s approach to nursing leadership, research and education, recruitment and retention and staff development and highlight how lived experience is helping to shape services and improve care for patients. 

Duncan also spent time on Royal Stoke’s cardiothoracic ward, where he saw first hand how quality and safety are embedded into everyday ward practice by joining an improvement huddle.

The visit also included a discussion on UHNM’s approach to continuous improvement and staff empowerment and how its initiative, called THRIVE, supports teams to make sustainable changes.

Duncan Burton said: “Nursing colleagues should be proud of the work they’re leading and delivering at UHNM. I saw a strong focus on continuous improvement, particularly through the huddle, which supports teams to drive positive change. Strong nursing leadership is essential, and it was good to see this demonstrated in the organisation.”

Ann Marie Riley OBE, Chief Nurse at UHNM, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Duncan to UHNM and share the work our teams are doing every day to improve care. We’re focused on supporting our staff, listening to lived experience and making continuous improvements so patients receive the best possible care.”