News and presentations from today's conference focusing on developing systems and processes for ward accreditation for quality. Ward accreditation can be used as a tool to encouraging ownership of continuous quality improvement at ward level, reduce variation and increase staff pride and team working within their ward areas.
Ward Accreditation: Driving Improvement at Ward Level
Michelle Hope Deputy Chief Nurse Quality Assurance
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
• what matters to people using the service?
• what inspires Ward Leaders to improve?
• tips and advice improving quality at wards level
• objective v subjective measures
• CQC reforms and how ward accreditation systems can help
• celebrating Success and Supporting Wards that are not meeting the standards
Michelle shared her findings into whether there is a correlation between NHS Trusts in England which have Ward Accreditation and the quality of care received by patients. The findings were that NHS Trusts that had Ward Accreditation in place were more likely to receive a CQC outstanding rating and saw improvements in subsequent CQC inspections and as such the hypothesis that having a Ward Accreditation programme in place is a major driver for an improved CQC rating was proven.
- Michelle Hope Biography & Abstract 0.02 MBDOCXfile
- Michelle Hope Presentation Slides 1.42 MBPPTXfile
Ward Accreditation: Strengthening quality assurance by implementing an evidence-based revision of a ward accreditation programme
Kim O’Keeffe
Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHP’s
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Louise Dickinson 
Deputy Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHP’s
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• why we revised our ward accreditation system
• the new ward accreditation programme, referring to the evidence base to re-evaluate the metrics used for assessment
• the integration of five new elements, including direct registered nurse care time and ward climate
• sustaining improvement and ensuring confidence in the programme
- Kim O'Keeffe Biography 0.23 MBDOCXfile
- Louise Dickinson Biography 0.03 MBDOCXfile
- Presentation Slides 1.69 MBPPTXfile