NHS Lothian – Kindness is the Secret
NHS Lothian's programme to imbed kindness, listening and person centred practice across all teams
NHS Lothian have a history of strong partnership working with the ALLIANCE Carer Voices programme. This has included numerous ‘You Make a Difference’ value-driven, reflective sessions with the ALLIANCE’s National Lead for Caring and Outreach, Tommy Whitelaw, and the creation of a number of What Matters to You?(this link will take you away from our website) pledge trees. One outcome has been the formation of the Kindness is the Secret programme across the Health Board, led by Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director, Acute Services.
This programme is designed to support clinical and non-clinical staff to develop a person centred culture for patients and staff within their clinical or work place environment. Moving away from professionals deciding what is best, to patients being experts in their care. Empowering teams to change the system they work in and support a positive staff and patient experience.
Person Centred behaviours and approaches lead to improved outcomes, better patient experiences and increased employee satisfaction.
The programme offers a one day champion certificate and a 4 day ambassador certificate for clinical staff. The ALLIANCE’s Tommy Whitelaw is a sponsor of the programme.
Key topics covered:
WMTY , how to have a person centred conversation, Person Centred Practice and Cultures, Kindness bundles, Civility Saves Lives, Joy in Work
Involving Patients in decisions about their care, Well-Being, Psychological Safety ,Feedback for Improvement Realistic Medicine, Treatment Escalation Plans and Anticipatory Care, Ethics and Equality.
On 25th November 2021, Tommy Whitelaw, was delighted to attend the Kindness is the Secret Cohort 1 graduation, and the launch of Cohort 2. The event gave the cohort the opportunity to share stories of how they had implemented what they had learned during the programme, and Tommy was delighted to award certificates to these new Kindness is the Secret champions.