Exploring the theme of Empowering Clinical Leaders, and hosted by David Wilmott, Cygnet’s Director of Nursing, it was a day to celebrate the best of our nursing staff and care at Cygnet.
David said: “This conference really does give our nursing teams within Cygnet the opportunity to showcase the work they are doing, on a daily basis, to ensure that our service users and residents have the very best experience with us.
“Please take this opportunity within International Nurses Week to celebrate our profession and the great contributions it makes to those we care for.”
Following a warm welcome and introductions from our CEO, Dr Tony Romero, there was a message from the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care at the Department of Health and Social Care, Professor Deborah Sturdy.
Keynote speaker Stephen Jones, UK Head of Nursing Practice and Professional Lead for Mental Health, at the Royal College of Nursing, presented on ‘Psychosocial Interventions in Mental Health Nursing’.
Jane Murkin, Deputy Director of Safety and Improvement, Nursing, NHS England, addressed the topic of ‘Leadership and Continuous Improvement’, and Rebecca Burgess-Dawson, National Clinical Lead (Mental Health) South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, gave a ‘Mental Health Nursing Overview’.
Quality Improvement at Cygnet was explored in a presentation by Rosie Hodgson-Whittle, Interim Hospital Manager at Cygnet Appletree, who discussed their implementation of the 7Cs Tool, a QI project which was coproduced alongside Cygnet Victoria House and Cygnet Hospital Hexham.
Colleagues and residents from The Orchards appeared on a co-produced video, sharing their experiences of improving their local community by volunteering their time to maintain the area around their service.
David Wilmott shared his reflections on ‘Cygnet’s Nursing Strategy – The Journey So Far’. This was followed by a keynote ‘National Update in Learning Disability’ from Ellie Gordon, Senior Nurse for Learning Disability, NHS England.
‘Embedding Relational Security: See Think Act – Oxleas’ Journey So Far’ was presented by Naidoo Armoordon, Head of Nursing, Oxleas Acute and Crisis Directorate and Programme Lead for Safety and Equality in Mental Health Inpatient Setting, Cavendish Square Group, and Emma Hopkins, Practice Development Nurse, Acute & Crisis Directorate, Multi-Professional Approved/Responsible Clinician (MPAC).
Joining the conference online were Karen Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, and Valerie Devereaux, Vice President of Nursing and Behavioural Health at Cygnet’s parent company Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS). They explored the subject of Nursing in the United States.
Breakout Sessions were held on the subjects of: Caring for a person with diabetes, Intervention and escalation of an unwell person, Role of engagement when performing observations, and Support and Engagement in Social Care.
The conference concluded with our Annual Nursing Awards and a graduation ceremony who have achieved qualifications and professional milestones through the year at Cygnet.