Why did University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust – Improving Together win LCS Improvement for Good Award?

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has led an impressive continuous quality improvement (cQI) journey through its ‘Improving Together’ programme. 

Under Ruth Bednall’s leadership, the Trust built a Quality Improvement Academy from scratch, embedding lean principles, scientific problem-solving, and structured routines across the organisation. The initiative has empowered staff at all levels—from board members to frontline teams—to take ownership of improvement, enhance patient care, and streamline operational processes. Key projects, such as system-wide discharge improvements and maternity care enhancements, have delivered measurable results, including better patient flow, reduced delays, and improved patient experience. The programme also contributed to sustainable practices, such as lowering carbon impact through efficient discharge processes.

Judges praised UHNM for its exceptional vision and leadership in cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. They noted the Trust’s focus on inclusivity, psychological safety, and practical coaching, enabling staff to engage meaningfully in improvement initiatives. Ruth’s ability to translate lean concepts into relatable stories, coupled with tangible organisational outcomes, set UHNM apart. The judges highlighted how ‘Improving Together’ has not only transformed operational performance but also fostered a long-term, sustainable culture of learning and improvement.