ACSA reaccreditation for North Bristol NHS Trust

North Bristol NHS Trust has been reaccredited under the prestigious Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation (ACSA) scheme demonstrating their commitment to patient safety and excellence of care.  

ACSA is the RCoA’s peer-reviewed scheme that promotes quality improvement and the highest standards of anaesthetic service. To receive accreditation, departments are expected to demonstrate high standards in areas such as patient experience, patient safety and clinical leadership. 

Dr Ian Johnson, ACSA Lead Clinical Reviewer, said:

“Many congratulations to the Anaesthetic Department at North Bristol in achieving their well-deserved ACSA reaccreditation. It is only through great teamwork and a concerted effort by all that this can be achieved. As well as being an accolade for the department and wider hospital, it helps provide assurance to the patients attending the hospital in order to receive care and treatment from the anaesthetic department.”

Pauline Eliott, Lay Reviewer, said: 

“'It's great to hear that North Bristol NHS Trust has achieved ACSA reaccreditation.  Congratulations to everyone in the department!  As the Lay Reviewer I was particularly pleased to witness the clear focus on patient safety and patient outcomes throughout the patient pathway.  The department has promoted initiatives which make a real difference to patients' experience, such as the pharmacy service and multidisciplinary working in preoperative assessment clinics.  The team's determined commitment to sustainability is admirable.”

Dr Anthony Carey, ACSA Lead, said:

“"Every member of our department is delighted to have the quality of care we provide recognised again by ACSA. Reaccreditation has been every bit as fulfilling as our initial 2020 experience; it has again fostered a cohesive willingness to reflect and evidence the effort we to go to deliver the best experience for patients and colleagues alike. 

We're grateful to all those who work alongside us at Southmead Hospital: colleagues in Obstetrics, Preoperative Assessment, Management and, of course, our anaesthetic assistants. We recognise the contribution made by many in our shared achievement."

Dr Claire Shannon, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said:  

“I would like to offer my personal congratulations to the entire anaesthetic department on achieving ACSA accreditation. It is very impressive to see the commitment and approach of the whole department to sustaining their standards. They have demonstrated their ability and passion for providing the best possible care for their patients. 

“Patient safety is at the heart of what we do as a Medical Royal College. The quality improvement demonstrated during the accreditation process has helped the department manage the immense tasks presented to them by COVID-19 and the resumption of normal services.    

“It was impressive to see the innovative practices taking place at the hospital, and the excellent commitment from all staff during the process. As well as meeting the standards, the department demonstrated many areas of excellent advanced practice that have now been highlighted for sharing through the ACSA network.”