Improving how we deliver

At LUHFT, we are committed to continuously improving the quality of care for our patients and their families. As part of our improvement plan, we have launched the Fundamentals of Care programme, which is focusing on work such as falls, pressure ulcers and nutrition and hydration.

The programme, which uses a quality improvement approach, has already included a Quality Improvement session with a nominated member of staff from every ward across the Trust, and an event was held to gain further insight into the improvement work being undertaken around the below areas of focus and design the next phase of the programme.

Ward 1, Aintree

Lunchtime socials have become a regular feature on Ward 1 at Aintree Hospital. The trauma and orthopaedics ward has been hosting the events to encourage their patients with cognitive issues, such as dementia, to socialise and take time out of their beds.

Shannon Johnson, Ward Manager, said: “It’s been really well received by patients and their families – the feedback has been amazing. Sometimes this cohort of patients can experience long lengths of stay, so taking time to be away from the bed space provides a sense of routine. There has also been improvements in patients’ nutrition and hydration as they are enjoying time with each other and watching each other eat and drink. We’ve also hosted some themed events, such as for Easter, which have been great fun.”

Representatives from Divisional Nursing Leadership, Quality Matrons, Patient Experience, Quality Improvement and Innovation, alongside expert leads in falls, pressure ulcers, nutrition and hydration, worked together to identify how we can better co-ordinate the programme's delivery and work closer to further support the wards to embed these improvements and provide a higher standard of care for our patients and their families.

Below are just a few of the projects underway here at LUHFT, helping to improve the care we provide to our patients.