News and updates on today's conference bringing together current and aspiring Ward Managers to understand current issues and the national context, and to develop skills as an effective Ward Manager.
Becoming a ward manager: a lived experience
Leah Callighan
Matron
Bradford Teaching Hospital
• what I wish I’d known
• tips and advice for aspiring Ward Managers
• leading by example
• the highs and the lows of the role
Leah talked about her personal experience of being a Ward Manager. Leah said 'Managing people is tough, you have to believe in yourself and remember not to take things personally'
Leah went on to talk about the 6C's a collection of qualities and values which all people working in health and social care are expected to demonstrate - Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment, Care.
Leah also stressed how important it is to appreciate all staff, she said 'Don't ever be too busy to value and praise all staff'
EXTENDED SESSION: Driving pride on the wards: delivering ward accreditation
Michelle Hope
Deputy Chief Nurse
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
• ward accreditation explained
• encouraging ownership of continuous quality improvement at ward level
• engaging and empowering staff to improve the basic standards and quality of care at ward level and reduce variation in standards between wards
• sharing best practice across wards
• increasing staff pride within their ward areas
Michelle began her presentation by explaining Ward Accreditation. 'It enables nurses and midwives to lead on improvement and sharing of learning and good practice'.
Michelle also said 'Ward Accreditation is a framework that enables a complete assesment of the quality of care delivered at ward level'.