Practice Development

Over the years St Ann’s Hospice has been applauded by many for the high quality of its care where the patient is always at the centre of everything we do. Now St Ann’s is developing these standards to an even higher level within a formal framework called ‘practice development’.

Working with Leeds University, we will achieve stage one recognition towards accreditation as a Practice Development Unit (PDU) within 12 months meeting 15 specific standards. Within two years we hope to achieve full accreditation.

Alison Christopher, Staff Nurse at Heald Green, is one of 11 St Ann’s staff who attended a ‘kick start’ course in March. She says: “It was a fantastic opportunity to refresh our thinking and contribute ideas on developing our current practice. There are approximately 90 other PDUs and I think we are the first independent Hospice to do this. We do so many great things every day but PDU accreditation is more than that. It’s a ‘bottom up’ approach where every member of staff, regardless of discipline or position, can actively put forward ideas to make our practice the best it can possibly be. Everything is about the patient.”

Practice DevelopmentThe future looks bright: Dr Iain Lawrie, Elaine Sigsworth and Sarah Willoughby develop ideas

As leader of the PDU group Alison is relishing the opportunity to develop the ideas and aspirations from the course into clear goals. “We will be establishing a Steering Group to guide and support us and we intend to include a member of the local community, a patient and a carer. Their contribution will be so valuable to the process.” This is an exciting time for St Ann’s Hospice. Alison agrees: “We came away from the course excited about the opportunities and benefits of becoming a PDU. We feel it will put St Ann’s on the map, formally recognising us as a leader in the provision of high quality Specialist Palliative Care.”

 

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