MediLead programme empowers junior doctors to lead the way

Date: 30 August 2016

Medway Maritime Hospital has launched an exciting new programme to support and develop its top talent.
 
The MediLead programme was originally proposed by Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Sarah Hare, to encourage junior doctor to think about innovative ways of improving the experiences patients have at Medway Maritime Hospital.
 
As part of their application to the MediLead programme, each junior doctor identifies a quality improvement project that they will work on in addition to their clinical responsibilities, with the support of senior doctors, senior nurses and managers as part of their leadership development. Projects are focused on patient safety, improving patient care and the delivery of efficient services.
 
Some of the current projects include:
  • improving the training and quality of ECGs performed by nurses and junior doctors benefiting patients in smoother diagnostics
  • creation of bespoke paediatric equipment trolleys to ensure smooth and outstanding care for sick babies and children who need transfer to London’s children intensive care units
  • development of an innovative app for all staff to access Medway Maritime Hospital policies and procedures
  • developing communication aides for safe handover of patient care between staff members
Dr Sarah Hare said: “Our ambition is for Medway to provide a World-class level of care to every patient - MediLead is part of this ambition. If we are equipped with the right tools, our junior doctors can help us to drive continuous improvement across the organisation.”
 
“Junior doctors bring a fresh perspective to the organisation, and many of them have new ideas to offer, which directly improve patient care. The MediLead programme is a way of empowering doctors who are new to the Trust to talk about their ideas with colleagues.
 
“Sharing insights and new approaches helps foster a professional culture, where robust challenge and open discussion is valued, so that every idea aimed at improving care for our patients is welcomed and explored.”
 
Those enrolled in the programme are given an understanding of the organisational structure of the Hospital, the NHS and the Department of Health. They learn about different approaches, leadership and develop personal and professional skills in a range of areas including negotiation and communication, self-awareness and the importance of staff engagement. They are also encouraged to submit their work to national conferences and meetings to share learning with other NHS organisations.
  • Summary: