Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool has introduced a popular programme of subsidised fitness classes and wellbeing activities for staff. The cost of the programme has been more than recouped by reducing sickness absence and reliance on agency staff.

Parents of hospitalised children can benefit from ‘home-away-from-home’ accommodation provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities. The free accommodation, available at children’s hospitals across the UK, helps to maintain family life while supporting a sick child.

Serious concerns about care received by some patients at Whipps Cross Hospital in London led to the creation of the Gold Standard Framework, informed by consultation with patients, families and staff. At the heart of the framework is a focus on dignity and compassion.

A patient feedback tool has been developed to capture the experience of patients with sickle cell disease. Led by the Picker Institute Europe, the tool aims to shed light on a ‘hidden’ condition and drive service improvement.

Dame Donna Kinnear says a job in Marks and Spenser helped prepare her for nursing management 

As part of the first cohort of Diabetes UK local clinical champions, Claire Neely and Ruth Miller have been supported by the charity to develop as leaders and improve care for people with diabetes. The champion role – created last year and open to all clinicians – has ‘turbo-charged’ their influence.

A communications masterclass at Northumbria University shows nurses and other healthcare professionals how to manage difficult conversations with patients and families. Participants learn to empathise, avoid being defensive and de-escalate emotional situations.