The Quality Improvement (QI) team is thrilled to announce that Chrisse Francis and Clare Linger, our Senior Improvement Advisors, have successfully graduated from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Improvement Advisor (IA) programme. 

Learning from the Programme  

Graduating from the IHI IA programme has equipped Chrissie and Clare with a deeper understanding of how application of an improvement method and understanding data can help teams at NELFT approach problems that impact on delivery of care and patient outcomes. Their enhanced skills now enable them to better advise our teams at NELFT on making improvements and measuring changes more effectively. They also share their knowledge through CPD sessions and supervision, helping to develop the skills of the QI team.  

Chrissie shared:

I have been with the QI team for 8 years and currently work as a Senior Improvement Advisor. Graduating from the IHI Improvement Advisor programme has really helped to advance my knowledge and skills beyond the basic QI methodology training. This has subsequently helped me to additionally support and coach all types of improvement work, within the directorates and at a strategic level .

Reflections from the Programme  

The programme provided an excellent opportunity to network with other improvement advisors from around the world, including participants from the UK, Denmark, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Forming this network and staying in touch has been invaluable. The IHI participants were very supportive, sharing also the progression and challenges they also encounter in their health care systems.  

The course also led to the creation of an on-going “improvement network”, connecting like-minded individuals who can share and learn across wider systems. This network fosters a sense of camaraderie, knowing that despite global challenges, we can still find the positive aspects of our work.  

The year-long course included a variety of learning sessions, both virtual and face-to-face. Being able to step away from daily responsibilities for learning with peers was a unique opportunity to focus on personal development and become immerse d in the world of improvement. The programme also highlighted areas that the organisation can additionally benefit, with ideas of how to better structure and embed continuous improvement across the whole system .   

We are proud of Chrisse and Clare’s achievements and look forward to the positive impact their enhanced skills will bring to NELFT. If you have any QI ideas, or queries please feel free to get in touch at qi@nelft.nhs.uk    

Please also join Chrissie and Clare at your QI Forums with your QI leads and improvement advisors for your directorates here: Quality Improvement Services | Staff Intranet (NELFT)