Liverpool hospitals recognised for high quality patient care
Anaesthetists at two Liverpool hospitals have been recognised for providing the highest quality care to local patients.
The anaesthetic departments at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Aintree University Hospital received the prestigious Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation (ACSA) from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) at separate ceremonies on 18 October.
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 a high standard in areas such as patient experience, patient safety and clinical leadership.
Dr Steve Roberts, Consultant Anaesthetist at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said:
“We are extremely proud and honoured to have received ACSA accreditation. Alder Hey was at the forefront of the development of paediatric anaesthesia and it is in keeping with this pioneering tradition that Alder Hey becomes the first children’s hospital to receive this accreditation.
“The department’s success is built on the enthusiasm and professionalism of a highly dedicated team of individuals, who readily acknowledge the outstanding support of their anaesthesia assistants, recovery room staff, preoperative assessment team and specialist pain relief team, as well as the contribution of the staff of the Day Surgery Unit and Play Specialists.”
Dr Michael McGovern, Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:
“Gaining ACSA accreditation has been an important goal for the department of anaesthetics at Aintree Hospital. We had prided ourselves as a forward-thinking safe department and the ACSA process has helped to highlight how we can improve as a department, continually aiming for better, safer patient care.
“It has allowed us to develop closer, more collaborative, working with other departments through the trust.
“Although not an easy process, it has been a richly rewarding and worthwhile one, which has also influenced and empowered our theatre staff to evaluate and develop their practice, further enhancing our development as a department.”
Professor Ravi Mahajan, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said:
“Patient safety is at the heart of ACSA, and the achievement and maintenance of ACSA’s robust standards encourage departments to constantly improve the care they provide.
“The anaesthetic departments of both hospitals were found to be providing high quality and consistent standards and both should be justly proud of their achievements.
“I would like to personally congratulate the anaesthetists at both hospitals for their commitment to providing the best possible care for their patients.”