Quality Network - Spotlight on a Quality Network Regional Lead

We are starting a new series to spotlight the work of our Quality Network Regional Leads. Here we find out more about Dr Michelle Lamont, Quality Network Regional Lead for Scotland - North.

After completing my final FRCA, I obviously felt at a bit of a loose end (!), so I decided to pursue an MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety through the psychology department at the University of Aberdeen. This program was led by Professor Rhona Flin and her team, who developed the ANTS system and more recently has been instrumental in creating the human factors guideline for the Association. Given my interest in obstetrics, my research thesis focused on the additional non-technical skills required in the obstetric theatre.

With a strong passion for patient safety, I became involved in the Scottish Patient Safety Programme after becoming a consultant. I was part of the team that introduced the hospital-wide huddle and the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist to our maternity hospital. I also led the Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) work stream, where we implemented risk scoring and systems to enhance communication.

Following this experience, I was invited to apply for my Trust’s Patient Safety Clinical Lead position, and I was supported in securing a place on the Scottish Improvement Leader programme. This initiative, delivered by NHS Education for Scotland and sponsored by the Scottish government, is aimed at professionals across all public services. It was fascinating to learn alongside colleagues from various fields and see the broad applicability of Quality Improvement (QI) methodology in policing, local government, and education.

Although I have been the lead for the Safety and Quality Improvement domain of the curriculum since its inception, I recently took on the role of departmental QI lead. I applied for the regional lead position to connect with others in the region and further, share innovative ideas, and develop meaningful QI programs that will ultimately benefit our patients.

Dr Michelle Lamont, Quality Network Regional Lead for Scotland - North

October 2024  

Here Dr Jenny Illingworth talks about her QI work in North West London. 
 
I had been the QI lead for my anaesthetic department for around five years and was looking for a new challenge. After meeting with the Trust’s Director of Strategy, Research & Innovation I applied for a Consultant Advisor role with the Trust’s Improvement Team in May 2022.
 
The main project I was involved with was the organisation-wide introduction of a daily board round to improve the coordination of clinical care and facilitate early discharge home. The project spanned the three main hospital sites, included over 40 wards and required engagement with key stakeholders at ward, operational management and executive levels within the organisation.

Through the consultant advisor role I met many more people across the organisation in both clinical & non-clinical roles and gained experience of thinking through challenges at a more strategic level. The role also complemented the MBA I’m currently completing through the national apprenticeship levy scheme.
 
I have since been appointed as Clinical Lead for Health Improvement responsible for implementing a new trust-wide tobacco dependence treatment service. For anaesthetists interested in systems level improvement, I would recommend contacting their Improvement or Transformation team as I have found it a very positive experience.

Dr Jenny Illingworth, Quality Network Regional Lead for London (Imperial School of Anaesthesia)

June 2024