Developing ward accreditation: a service improvement pilot study

Accreditation programmes can be an excellent way of raising standards and creating a positive nursing culture.

Abstract

Enhancing quality of care means establishing and monitoring standards, which can be accomplished by implementing an accreditation programme. A ward accreditation pilot initiative was introduced to address areas needing improvement at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust. Outcomes were positive in terms of patient care, as well as staff motivation and retention. This article presents the development of this study, using the Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle as a framework for quality improvement. Key learnings from the pilot have since informed the implementation of ward accreditation in the trust.

Citation: Mukherjee T, Burch J (2026) Developing ward accreditation: a service improvement pilot study. Nursing Times; 122: 7.

Authors: Tricia Mukherjee is director of nursing for Ealing and corporate nursing, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust; Jennie Burch is assistant professor (teaching), Coventry University.

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