State Hospital Team recognised for their inspiring learning programme

The award, sponsored by NHS Golden Jubilee, aims to recognise those who provide effective supervision and assessment, create high-quality learning environments, act as a role model and who build and maintain relationships to enable and support learning and development in the workplace.

Within Scotland’s State Hospitals high secure forensic services, the team developed and delivered a pioneering dementia care learning programme in collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland. Their bespoke programme was tailored to the needs of forensic nursing staff. With experiential learning focussing on communication, personhood, and responsive care, it led to improved staff-patient relationships and more person-centred, needs-led care. Three years on and the team are seeing a lasting positive impact on practice. The initiative is now being explored for wider implementation across Scotland.

The judges praised the team’s efforts to break the stigma of working in forensic nursing. Head Judge, Margaux Lobban, said: “The judges were impressed by the team’s commitment to learning longevity, particularly in such a niche area of nursing, and how the team truly exemplified high-quality person-centered care.”

Celebrating their win, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said: "Practice-based learning is fundamental to maintaining the nursing workforce. In an often-overlooked area of nursing, the Triple Jeopardy team have created a high-quality learning environment focussed on the needs of forensic nurses and their patients where all involved feel seen and empowered to deliver high quality patient care. Delighted to see a light shining on those nursing at the edges of society, well deserved.”

Congratulations also go to runner up, Jill Morrison, Care Home Education Facilitator in NHS Grampian, and our highly commended finalist Gwen Gordon, Practice Educator at NHS Tayside.

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