Quality improvement is everybody’s business in NHS Wales

 Quality Improvement  No Responses »
Nov 042013
 
Andrew Goodall

Andrew Goodall

I am proud to work in the NHS and proud to be part of public services in Wales. However, I also realise we are in an environment that expects change, improvement and delivery.This means we need to do a number of things:

  • Genuinely put patients first, even when the system can feel it’s working against this
  • Simplify complex areas and experiences
  • Do ‘the basics’ exceptionally
  • Create time for people to be trained and informed – there is a tangible reward for staff taking part in training
  • Engage with staff, particularly as the size and breadth of NHS Wales organisations can leave staff feeling disconnected
  • Be open if we have a problem

Continue reading »

Time to sort the air conditioning?

 Quality Improvement  No Responses »
May 132013
 
Adam Cairns

Adam Cairns

“If staff are our most important resource, how come it’s only the computers that get air conditioning?’

I heard this from the Chairman of the Institute of Directors at a recent meeting. His point was that it’s too easy to make statements like these – and that too often that’s where they stay – statements written on pieces of paper.

As organisations set up to care for others, you might think that NHS health boards and trusts would lead the way in caring for their staff. However we’ve just got our staff survey results and among the good stuff, there’s some other feedback that’s much tougher to hear. Continue reading »

“Have your say”, but it mustn’t stop there

 Quality Improvement  No Responses »
Feb 082013
 
Tim Heywood

Tim Heywood

If you work in NHS Wales, I hope by now you’ve been asked to “have your say” in the staff survey. The need for the NHS to be honest with itself, as well as with patients and the public, has been very topical this week. Taking part in the survey is one way we can all start to do that.

I’ve been helping with planning for the survey to ensure the questions reflect how patient safety, staff experience and service user experience are all linked. A recent Kings Fund report quoted research that “happy staff make happy patients”. Continue reading »