EPUT Learning Lessons Handbook

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is committed to creating a culture of learning and to this end we must  have robust mechanisms in place for identifying and sharing learning, ensuring lessons are embedded and sustained at all levels within the Trust. It is therefore a huge step forward to share the EPUT Learning Lessons Handbook, this has been developed by the EPUT Culture of Learning Team (ECOL) and it's a pleasure to introduce this work to colleagues across the Trust.

In this first version of our Learning Lessons Handbook, we are determined to ensure that all colleagues who work at EPUT fully understand and embrace the notion of learning lessons becoming an "always" event in the Trust, it's critical that we identify lessons and share learning at all times, across all services.

The intention in creating the handbook is to ensure that it does not become another policy or procedural document, but a practical explanation of  how we can all learn lessons. The processes described will enable us to effectively combine a host of small, incremental improvements across all aspects of team performance from frontline clinical staff to the vast array of corporate functions, so that we  can all make a difference and together enable the delivery of outstanding care.

We have major organisational transformation programmes in place that will positively impact the way we do work together in the future but we cannot  stand still whilst these transformations are taking place. We all need to act now, learning when things have gone wrong and sharing outstanding and good practice when things have gone well.

There are many different techniques and approaches to Continuous Improvement (CI) hence our culture of learning highlights some circumstances where a common approach is required, as well as signposting those teams who can provide you with advice.

I am certain that with the right mind-set those who do the work today can identify how it can be done better tomorrow.

Please contact the EPUT lessons team for any queries or support in implementing the principles described in the learning lessons handbook: epunft.lessonsteam@nhs.net

Moriam Adekunle
Director of Safety and Patient Safety Specialist