Quality Network - Spotlight on a Quality Network Regional Lead

Here we find out more about Dr Maria Chereshneva, Regional Lead for London - St. George's School of Anaesthesia

I have always been interested in quality improvement (QI) and its application to healthcare. To further develop my knowledge and skills, I applied for a HSRC (now CR&I) fellowship to update the RCoA publication ‘Raising the Standards: RCoA Quality Improvement Compendium’ or the ‘Audit Recipe book’ as it’s known to many. As one of the editors, the aim was to make this a ‘go to’ resource for all the QI needs of trainees, trainers and others who want to undertake improvement work within anaesthesia, intensive care and perioperative medicine. This experience has cemented my believe that QI principles are needed to deliver safe and effective care. 

After I became a consultant, during COVID-19 pandemic, I led the project to establish a surgical enhanced care unit, where high risk patients can be cared for post-operatively due to unavailability of HDU beds. This initiative was recognised at the BMJ Awards 2021. Due in part to these contributions, I later became an Associated Medical Director, focusing on how to embed QI methodology across my organisation. This role allowed me to work with peers across South London institutions to share ideas, learn new skills and improve access to QI teaching and training. Within my own Trust, I led the delivery of both grassroot and senior QI training programmes, provided QI expertise for key quality projects for the Trust and continued to support RCoA Quality Network. 

Recently, I have taken over as Clinical Lead of my department. QI remains a high priority for me, and we are embarking on ACSA accreditation with the college. I am keen to continue my Regional Lead role as this contributes to shape the QI future within our profession and will ultimately benefit our patients. 

March 2025