This month we’re celebrating an exciting milestone for Lauren Anderton, one of our dedicated Quality Improvement Facilitators here at Northern Healthcare. Over the past two years, Lauren has played a key role in supporting our teams to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care. In this interview, she reflects on her journey so far, what she’s learned along the way, and what continues to inspire her in her role.

Congratulations on two years with Northern Healthcare! Can you tell us a little about your journey to becoming a Quality Improvement Facilitator? How has your role evolved since you started?

“When I first joined Northern Healthcare, I started as a ‘Quality and Compliance Administrator’ which gave me great exposure and understanding of how Northern Healthcare operates. Within this role I was involved in audits, data collection/analysis, reporting and report writing, which I really enjoyed. Overtime I’ve had more exposure and opportunities to work and support on quality projects which meant I was able to work closely with services which is what I enjoy most. After about a year in my first role I moved into the ‘Quality Improvement Facilitator’ role. This role involves monitoring quality and compliance to align us with CQC standards, completing audits, spot checks, incident analysis, complaints, improvement plans, staff training, internal inspections, and continuously working closely with the services to improve the care we deliver. As part of this role, I thoroughly enjoy going out to the different services, developing trusting relationships with the staff teams, and any interactions with people we support make my day.”

What originally attracted you to join Northern Healthcare?

“Throughout my life, I’ve always been involved in the care and support of others in some regard, therefore, joining Northern Healthcare felt like a natural fit and aligned with my personal values.”

What’s been your proudest achievement so far in your role?

“My proudest achievement was being nominated for and winning the ‘Central Office Star’ award. This was a proud achievement of mine as it reflected my commitment to making a difference, and it was an acknowledgement of the positive impact my work has had on others.”

How do you feel your work has made a difference to the people we support or to your colleagues?

“I feel my work has made a difference as I’ve been able to implement tools which support ensuring continuous improvement and development is being made. Being able to identify areas of improvement, upkeep standards and ensure best practices are being shared. Completing thorough audits and giving clear guidance on what needs to change or be implemented has had positive outcomes across our services.”

Are there any projects or initiatives you’ve been particularly passionate about?

“I have recently completed training to become one of Northern Healthcare’s Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL). This DSL training course has given me a much broader understanding of safeguarding and greater confidence when supporting colleagues or people we support with any concerns. For me, being a DSL is about empowering and giving people the right tools and resources to feel confident in raising any issues or concerns. Ultimately, safeguarding is about ensuring people are safe; therefore, as part of my role as a QIF, I will be committed to promoting the six key principles of safeguarding within our services.”

Our PROUD values are central to everything we do — which one resonates most with you and why?

“I’d say ‘Understanding’ resonates with me the most. I think it’s important to take time and really try to understand and learn from others. This can be done through taking time to upskill our knowledge around a particular topic, gaining further awareness, being empathetic, respecting the experiences of others and what challenges they may have faced, and ultimately finding ways to best support the person going forward.”

How would you describe the team culture at Northern Healthcare in three words?

“Supportive, caring and passionate.”

What’s been the most rewarding part of working here over the past two years?

“The most rewarding part of my role is the meaningful interactions I have with the people we support. This can be something as little as chatting about someone’s day, or someone kindly sharing their own personal experiences with mental health and the progress they’ve made; these moments are truly inspiring.

Continually, I work closely with Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs), which has been invaluable. The knowledge and understanding they’ve shared have greatly supported my personal and professional development within Northern Healthcare. Their expertise and approach have been great guidance to me and others.”

What advice would you give someone considering joining Northern Healthcare?

“My advice would be to come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Social care is continuously changing; therefore, being adaptable and open to change is key. Working in social care, especially supported living, gives someone the opportunity to make a genuine positive difference to someone’s life; it’s a privilege to be a part of that. Furthermore, at Northern Healthcare there are opportunities to develop both personally and professionally, which is great as you will continually develop new skills, access training and be involved in a variety of experiences.”

What are you most excited about in the year ahead?

“I’m looking forward to developing my skills further and continuing to learn so I can share best practices and make further improvements. I’m excited to implement new processes and any quality improvement initiatives that improve the quality of care for the people we support. I’m excited to create small but meaningful changes that are effective and sustainable within our services.”

What’s one fun fact about you that people might not know?

“I really enjoy travelling and exploring different countries and cultures. My next upcoming trip is to Thailand, which I’m really looking forward to.”

How do you like to celebrate milestones like this one?

“I would usually celebrate milestones by going out for a nice meal and drinks with my close friends and family.”

Lauren’s story is just one example of the rewarding careers available at Northern Healthcare. Explore our current opportunities here: Career Opportunities - Northern Healthcare