Staff from across all five Health Trusts recently came together to mark the achievements of the 2025 class of the Regional Quality Improvement Programme for Social Work, Nursing and Midwifery.

The Programme is an eight-month initiative aimed at delivering meaningful improvements for patients, clients, and service users.

Everyone enjoyed the poster presentations, showcasing the successes of various quality improvement initiatives undertaken as part of the programme.

A Social Worker by profession, service user Maria Somerville attends the yearly events.

Chief Midwifery Officer for the Department of Health Caroline Keown, South Eastern Trust Lead Nurse for Quality Improvement Alison Bartlett and South Eastern Trust Nursing Officer for Older People and Primary Care Fionnuala Gallagher. Pic credit: SEHSCT

placeholder image — Chief Midwifery Officer for the Department of Health Caroline Keown, South Eastern Trust Lead Nurse for Quality Improvement Alison Bartlett and South Eastern Trust Nursing Officer for Older People and Primary Care Fionnuala Gallagher. Pic credit: SEHSCT

“I have two disabled sons,” she explained. “My oldest is 30 and has a severe, profound disability and genetic disorder. My other son is almost 27 and he has Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

"It is really important to be at an event like this because I can ensure that there is a voice for people like my sons, for service users and carers within the health service.

“I might not be an expert in Nursing, Social Work or Medicine, but I am an expert in my own sons and my own children.

"I think QI is an approach that is really important as it focuses on the ‘bottom up’. Social Workers and Nurses on the ground can innovate for change with their ideas, together with their patients and service users. It is really important that we drive what is important to us.

“I have been involved with the QI approach for ten years and I am always treated as a colleague, as part of the team and with respect.”

Oesophageal cancer survivor shares her courageous story to help others

South Eastern Trust Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Nursing, Professor David Robinson stressed: “Nurses, Midwives and Social Workers have been taking part in Quality Improvement projects that affect every part of our service.

"The work that they do, day in, day out is impressive. The hope that they bring in change is impressive, the work that they do is impressive and I am delighted to be here at this event.”

Lead Nurse for Quality Improvement Alison Bartlett added: “Today is really a celebration of our Nursing and Social Work staff’s dedication and compassion to want to make things better for the patient and service users through their QI journey.”