At Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), delivering compassionate, high-quality care is at the core of everything we do. But exceptional healthcare isn’t just shaped on the hospital ward - it is built by every single person who contributes to our local health service.
On Thursday, 17th September, WWL officially launched the Fundamentals of Care Academy, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bring colleagues together to champion excellence across the entire organisation. Supported by our Chief Nursing Officer Kevin Parker-Evans and developed alongside the Quality and Safety Team, this is far more than a standard training programme. It is an innovative, staff-led community designed to share learning, inspire positive change, and ensure the basic principles of great care remain at the heart of our services. To put this vision into practice, we are encouraging all of our staff to make a personal pledge to shape the care we deliver together.
What makes this model truly unique - and a framework likely to be replicated by other NHS trusts across the country - is its inclusive approach. High-quality care relies on more than doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. At our official launch event, we were delighted to welcome staff from every single corner of the Trust, ranging from estates and facilities teams to clerical, operational, and corporate support staff. Whether maintaining facilities, managing admin, or providing bedside care, every role plays a vital part in the patient journey. The event even featured a surprise appearance from fitness icon Mr Motivator, bringing fantastic energy and smiles to everyone in attendance.
This whole-workforce approach creates real benefits for both our patients and our staff. For our patients, the Academy directly influences outcomes and experiences. By empowering staff to lead change and turn practical ideas into real-world improvements, we are creating a safer, more compassionate environment for everyone using our services.
Crucially, this initiative also brings massive benefits to our workforce. Around 70% of WWL staff live right here in the borough. Our workforce isn't just serving a community; they are the community. When we invest in our staff - giving them opportunities to access networking, share best practice, and influence positive change - we are directly investing in the health, wellbeing, and pride of our local area.
At the very heart of this work is a commitment to our community. We will continue listening closely to our patients, their families, and local residents to ensure their voices guide our progress. By placing patient experiences at the centre of our decision-making, we ensure that every improvement made through the Academy reflects what matters most to the people of the Wigan borough.
The Fundamentals of Care Academy represents an exciting new chapter for WWL. By empowering every team member - from estates to the wards - and keeping our local community at the heart of everything we do, we are setting a new standard for compassionate care that our borough can be proud of.