County Hospital Therapies team first at UHNM to receive internationally- recognised quality improvement award
The Therapies team at County Hospital have become the first team at UHNM to have been nominated for and receive an internationally- recognised quality improvement award.
In recognition of their completion of Level 5 Improving Together quality improvement training, and subsequent improvements to patient care and experience, UHNM’s Quality Improvement Academy nominated them for a Lean Competency System (LCS) Impact Award.
The outpatients team used the skills gained from the Improving Together to improve staff supervision and the time it takes for patients to receive follow-up appointments.
‘Lean’ is an organisational management technique that aims to improve performance through continuous improvement. Developed at Cardiff Business School, the Lean Competency System offers accreditation to lean training programmes, enabling them to issue lean qualifications to those they train.
UHNM’s Improving Together quality improvement programme was awarded LCS accreditation in May 2024.
Caroline Brown, Senior Quality Improvement Practitioner at UHNM said: “We nominated the County Hospital Therapies team because of their consistency in using the tools provided, and the way they have improved culture across the team by cascading the tools and changing the way they work. There was a willingness to learn, ask questions and persevere.
“They took the tools and really ran with them and made it part of the way they work and done it with lots of willingness and lots of perseverance inspite of all the challenges and clinical pressures. They have made some massive changes that have really improved both the experience of patients and clinicians
“I’m so proud of the team seeing the way they have overcome challenges, embracing the tools to make massive improvements.”
Ann-Marie Riley, UHNM Chief Nurse said: “I would like to congratulate the Therapies team from County for being the first team from UHNM to be nominated and receive the LCS Impact Award. This was achieved with a lot of curiosity, willingness, and perseverance for the benefit of our patients and colleagues.”