Reflecting on ASPH’s QI Day: Inspiring Change & Collaboration
Meena Sebastian,
Chief Sales Officer
I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Ashford and St Peter's inaugural Quality Improvement Day 2023. As a representative of Locum's Nest, a platform dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals and fostering positive change, I was thrilled to be part of this transformative event.
The day kicked off with an impressive display of board-level support. Andy Field, Chairman at ASPH, and Simon Devonshire, the new Non-Executive Director, set the tone for the sessions with their inspiring presence. Simon, drawing from his entrepreneurial background, shared valuable insights on change management that resonated deeply with all of us in the NHS community. His advice encapsulated some essential principles for implementing quality improvement (QI) ideas successfully including: Inventing beyond the imagination of your customers, considering the most powerful action (MPA) that would move you forward even further, keep looking for quantitative ways to measure the impact of the change from different angles.
One of the key discussions centred around the balance between marginal gains and blue-sky thinking in driving change processes. The consensus was that both approaches are vital to maintaining momentum and achieving substantial improvements.
The event also showcased an array of impressive QI projects and impactful posters aimed at enhancing patient care. Personally, as someone interested in health inequalities and a Mum myself, I was particularly moved by the presentation given by Lou Davies and Mo Ade, representing the ASPH Maternity Voices Partnership. Their talk highlighted the power of co-creation with patients in delivering optimal outcomes. Surprisingly, even small adjustments such as the tone of voice used in communication made a significant difference to the overall patient experience. The presentation served as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change within our grasp.
Throughout the day, a can-do attitude permeated every session, serving as a testament to the team's dedication and resilience. Considering the toll the recent challenges within the NHS has taken on its staff, witnessing the appetite for QI and experiencing the theme "Improvement is good for you" was deeply inspirational.
This collective drive gained momentum over the course of the day and by the time we came to our Knowledge Bistro: A Collaborative Feast of Insight and Inspiration. It was a great way to give everyone some space to reflect, share experiences and gain fresh insights as a wider community.
During the Knowledge Bistro, we collected valuable insights on post-it notes, giving everyone an opportunity to contribute and engage in their respective groups. Building on this foundation, we are excited to leverage our Community platform to disseminate information on QI projects and encourage more individuals to join the movement. By fostering a sense of unity and collaboration, we can amplify our collective impact and drive positive change throughout the healthcare system.
Scroll through the images below to read some of ASPH’s staff reflections and learnings from the day:
Looking inward, the journey of our co-founders Nick and Ahmed left me in awe. Locum's Nest, originally a QI project tested on a single ward in one hospital, has now expanded to serve over 50 Trusts across the UK. At the heart of our mission lies a dedication to prioritising the customer experience and placing our users' needs at the forefront of all that we do. Hearing stories of Locum's Nest supporting future initiatives through our technology fills me with pride, knowing that we continue to contribute to the next generation of improvement projects despite the challenges we face. It instilled in me a sense of excitement, realising that each one of us has the power to evolve, challenge the status quo, and shape the future of healthcare.
In conclusion, the ASPH QI Day was a remarkable gathering of passionate individuals united in their pursuit of positive change. The event truly showcased the transformative potential of collaboration!
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How does your organisation’s & Teams’ QI journey look like? What activities are you doing to support it?
I would love to hear your stories! Contact me at meena@locumsnest.co.uk