Northampton General Hospital
NVQ programme referred to as the ‘jewel in the crown’
Background
Northampton General Hospital is located close to the centre of Northampton. They service a local population of 360,000, have an annual turnover of more than £190 million, 614 beds, 14 operating theatres, ITU and HDU facilities.
How skillspoint helped
Prior to a Partnership agreement initiated and facilitated by Skillspoint, the hosptial’s own NVQ Centre was able to fund NVQ programmes for all support staff at both Northampton and Kettering sites through Healthcare and Workforce Deanery funds. The cessation of the funding route in 2007 put the Centre at risk of closure. Assessor staff were placed at risk of redundancy and crucially the quality of delivery within the Trust was in danger of being withdrawn. This would have had a catastrophic effect not just on the staff directly involved but clearly the employees who were both already working towards their NVQs and also staff in the pipeline awaiting training and subsequent certification.
How the solution worked
NGH was keen to find a solution not only to allow them to continue with the NVQ Centre but to enhance the provision of NVQs and other training programmes thereby enabling them to offer provision to a wider audience within the hospital.
Future plans
We used our experience working with local providers and in 2007 South Leicestershire College and Skillspoint secured the partnership arrangement. The relationship is still going strong and the partnership has received a National Award; referred to as the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the East Midlands; participated in a World Class Skills project focussing on continuous improvement and critically evaluation has shown a direct correlation between the training and improvements in patient care.
“This project initially started as a rescue package. Skillspoint is now a key strategic partner whose team has excellence at its core and commitment and drive at all interventions. In over 30 years in education and training I have rarely worked with such a professional organisation.” Josephine Palmer, Head of Staff Development.
Northampton General Hospital is located close to the centre of Northampton. They service a local population of 360,000, have an annual turnover of more than £190 million, 614 beds, 14 operating theatres, ITU and HDU facilities.
How skillspoint helped
Prior to a Partnership agreement initiated and facilitated by Skillspoint, the hosptial’s own NVQ Centre was able to fund NVQ programmes for all support staff at both Northampton and Kettering sites through Healthcare and Workforce Deanery funds. The cessation of the funding route in 2007 put the Centre at risk of closure. Assessor staff were placed at risk of redundancy and crucially the quality of delivery within the Trust was in danger of being withdrawn. This would have had a catastrophic effect not just on the staff directly involved but clearly the employees who were both already working towards their NVQs and also staff in the pipeline awaiting training and subsequent certification.
How the solution worked
NGH was keen to find a solution not only to allow them to continue with the NVQ Centre but to enhance the provision of NVQs and other training programmes thereby enabling them to offer provision to a wider audience within the hospital.
Future plans
We used our experience working with local providers and in 2007 South Leicestershire College and Skillspoint secured the partnership arrangement. The relationship is still going strong and the partnership has received a National Award; referred to as the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the East Midlands; participated in a World Class Skills project focussing on continuous improvement and critically evaluation has shown a direct correlation between the training and improvements in patient care.
“This project initially started as a rescue package. Skillspoint is now a key strategic partner whose team has excellence at its core and commitment and drive at all interventions. In over 30 years in education and training I have rarely worked with such a professional organisation.” Josephine Palmer, Head of Staff Development.
customer testimonials...
"skillspoint’s approach is very professional. The staff teams are extremely knowledgeable and have provided ‘real’ solutions and good working practices throughout each stage of the process. There is no doubt that our business has benefitted and will continue to do so."
Linda Grubb
Executive Manager
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