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Why did Dr Ruth Bednall – University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust win LCS Leadership Award?

 

Dr Ruth Bednall was recognised for her exceptional vision and leadership in embedding a continuous quality improvement (cQI) culture at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. 

She transformed a consultancy improvement package into “Improving Together,” a Trust-wide methodology spanning board to ward. Ruth established the Quality Improvement Academy, coached leaders and frontline staff, and united multiple QI methodologies across the integrated care system, delivering measurable improvements in patient flow, discharge rates, and environmental impact. The judges highlighted Ruth’s ability to live lean philosophy herself, influence without authority, and create psychologically safe spaces for staff at all levels. Her storytelling, practical engagement, and unwavering support of her team were cited as key factors in achieving a cultural shift. Notable outcomes included improved CQC ratings at County Hospital and maternity services rated “good,” alongside progress across NHS IMPACT domains. Judges praised Ruth for combining strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, demonstrating both vision and humility, and inspiring others to embed sustainable improvement in complex healthcare environments.

"Winning the LCS Leadership award was a huge honour and very humbling.  Being recognised by your peers for the work you have done is always very meaningful.  In the improvement world, practitioners at all levels are often the unseen players and naturally we celebrate successes as those of the colleagues we’ve supported, rather than claiming them personally.  Recognition from our industry leader helps to pull back the curtain on the work that we do and raise the profile of the improvement team in the wider organisation.  Thank you "

Dr Ruth Bednall, Director, Continuous Improvement Academy at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

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What the award win meant to Dr Ruth Bednall – University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust