This programme provides a unique opportunity for social work and nursing in Northern Ireland to lead
improvement focused practice across the region using a set of techniques based on improvement
and implementation science.
The Regional Quality Improvement in Social Work and Nursing Programme co-ordinated and
delivered by Trust staff commenced in February 2018 and ended in October 2018.
Each participant undertakes a quality improvement project within the timeframe of the programme
(9 months) enabling them to directly apply the new knowledge and skills acquired in practice as the
programme progresses.
At the regional final presentation event, senior leaders and managers were invited to attend to hear
participants present their projects and share their learning.
Last year we saw 13 Social Work Improvement Initiatives progress over the year and a total of
24 participants from all 5 Trusts, NI Social Care Council, NI Guardian Ad Litem Association and
RQIA undertake the programme supported by 15 mentors.
It was an exciting beginning to 2018 as 8 nursing and district nursing participants from across
the region joined the programme to share in the teaching sessions and undertook 6 discharge
improvement initiatives.
The awards event was chaired by Maria Sommerville, Carers representative on the programme.
Rodney Morton, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer welcomed everyone with opening remarks and the
afternoon was brought to a close by Christine Smyth, Strategy Director, Social Work, Department
of Health.
Congratulations to all participants and thanks to all who helped to make the programme and the
awards event a real success.
The fourth year of the programme will commence in February 2019 and includes 8 tutorial days
commencing in February 2019. A total of 21 social work participants and 22 nursing participants from
across the region are undertaking the programme supported by mentors.
Previous participants have volunteered to become mentors to continue to develop their skills in
quality improvement.
Nursing delegates and mentors 2018.
Regional Quality Improvement in Social Work
and Nursing Programme
Safe and Effective Care
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