As nurses around the globe celebrate International Nurses Day, NHS Grampian’s Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Service has received official confirmation it has achieved Pathway to Excellence® designation.
Mental health and learning disabilities services in the region span three Health and Social Care Partnerships, Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen and mental health services at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. NHS Grampian is the first health board in Scotland to achieve the prestigious Pathway to Excellence designation® and the first mental health and learning disabilities service in the UK to reach this accolade.
NHS Grampian’s Executive Nurse Director, June Brown commented: “This designation recognises our services consistently deliver high‑quality, patient‑centred care, with a strong focus on patient safety, leadership, staff wellbeing and professional development. It also reflects how our teams are empowered to be actively involved, lead improvement and support shared decision‑making in everyday practice.
“We have seen the positive impact of Pathway to Excellence across our Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Service, with significant improvements in staff retention and reducing vacancy rates. We have also strengthened quality and safety for the people we support, and must recognise each and every member of staff for their contribution in receiving this award. Thank you not only to our registered nurses but also to our healthcare support workers and wider team members. Your unwavering commitment made it possible and it makes me hugely proud to be part of NHS Grampian.”
Joining the Pathway to Excellence programme delivered by the American Nurses Credentialing Centre means teams are committed to creating positive practice environments that empower and engage staff. The programme provides a framework for supporting staff needs and promoting high standards of care. It helps teams to prioritise what’s most important, and achieving Pathway to Designation included involving staff in activities including shared decision-making groups where they could make a real impact on service planning. For more information about the programme and NHS Grampian’s journey to achieve Pathway to Excellence designation, email gram.ideasforimprovement@nhs.scot