Aintree University Hospital anaesthetists rewarded for high quality patient care 

Aintree University Hospital, which is part of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been reaccredited under the prestigious Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation (ACSA) 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 Michael McGovern, Consultant Anaesthetist, at Aintree University Hospital, said: “Undertaking the ACSA process again, following a hiatus during COVID, has allowed the department to re-evaluate itself. In the last four years we have undergone a significant amount of change. The ACSA visit has pushed the department to revisit areas highlighted previously and ensure that the systemic changes undertaken align with best practice laid out in the ACSA standards. Whilst still accrediting as a single department, it has also allowed us to begin the process of working towards accreditation as a merged department with our sister sites, the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Broadgreen Hospital.”

Dr Fiona Donald 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.”