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Introduction
Sorry to see this was As part of the third year
Government’s long term vision
for the future of the NHS was
BSc Diagnostic Radiography laid out in Equity and Excellence:
only a proposal. What a programme at Teesside
University I particularly enjoyed
Liberating the NHS (2010).
Significant focus within this white
dynamic individual who the challenges involved in
identifying a hypothetical service
paper ensures that patients are
placed at the heart of every action
improvement idea. This academic we take and that we continually
thinks outside the box and work was presented by myself improve the things that matter
in the form of an electronic to our patients. Furthermore,
a radio 4 listener to boot! poster and was accompanied by a
presentation and an oral defence
practitioners are entrusted and
liberated to innovate and improve
to the module tutors. All of the in healthcare delivery1. The recent
student ideas, including this report carried out by Robert
Karen Smith one, will be shared with clinical Francis QC, which highlighted a
colleagues at a later date which decline in professionalism and a
SCoR Vice President & may encourage departments tolerance of poor standards in the
second round judge to take on board some of the NHS2, has made recommendations
service improvement ideas. This which can be used to improve
reflective piece discusses my service delivery. Each employee
personal journey in undertaking in the NHS is required to reflect
this assignment, exploring on what can be done differently
some of the underpinning in order to contribute to a safer,
tools and techniques of service committed, compassionate and
improvement. caring service3 and thus position
Service improvement is of the patient ‘first in all that we do’2.
particular importance as it is Also, managers in all areas of
outlined in many key drivers. The the NHS have increasing pressures
4 October 2013
he right time
on their activities to make cost
6 October 2013
in ensuring that each stakeholder Although this assignment About the author
received the correct level of was only to propose a service
resources, information and improvement idea, it has given At the time of writing this
communication at the right time, me the confidence, knowledge article Paul Calder was a
throughout the project. and understanding of the theory third year student on the
and underpinning tools and BSc (Hons) diagnostic
Conclusion techniques significant to service radiography programme at
Overall, this academic obligation improvement. I have developed Teesside University. He has
has proved to be a positive an enthusiastic approach to since qualified gaining a
learning experience which has improving quality and I feel more first class honours degree
initiated me to identify, analyse capable and determined to initiate and is now working as a
and evaluate current practice change within my area of practice radiographer at the Freeman
and research for potential as a newly qualified radiographer. Hospital in Newcastle upon
service improvement. As well as I believe that this academic Tyne.
developing personally, gaining exercise has demonstrated that by
key transferable skills in written embracing service improvement
presentation, communication opportunities in radiology, a ‘win
and development planning, I win’10 situation can be achieved, References for this article can be found at
believe that I am now also able not just for staff, managers and http://www.sor.org//learning/library-publications/itp
to effectively discuss and present the NHS, but most importantly
an argument in a professional the prime focus in our health care This article has been prepared following local guidance
manner. delivery; the patient. relating to the use of patient data and medical images.
To comment on this article, please write to editorial@
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October 2013 7