The Lean Healthcare Academy has launched its second training centre serving the University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent.

It is housed in the new Healthcare Careers and Skills Academy, which is located on the City General Hospital site.  

The Lean Healthcare Academy Training Centre opened its doors for the first time on Monday, October 20, to coincide with the launch of the Trust’s Transformation Programme ‘Everyone Improving Quality’ – a week-long series of seminars and workshops embracing the familiar 5S’s, usually one of the first step organisations take in implementing Lean.

The centre is being run by the recently opened Healthcare Careers and Skills Academy, whose priority is to both introduce and raise awareness of Lean thinking among the Trust’s staff in partnership with the Lean Healthcare Academy. This will be supported by the delivery of recognised online training courses.

In 2007, the academy opened its first training centre at Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, West Yorkshire, further cementing its relationship with its founding partner Airedale NHS Trust, which has successfully implemented Lean initiatives that have transformed hospital working practices, reduced waiting times and improved patient care and safety.

Sue Speak, Head of Lean Improvement at Airedale Hospital, said: “Lean has made a major impact – and a big difference – to us. I’m sure North Staffordshire will see similar benefits.”

Based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, the Lean Healthcare Academy offers a vehicle that accelerates the adoption of Lean working practices as a foundation stone for sustainable service transformation across the healthcare sector.

Services available to its 21-strong network of NHS member trusts across the north and midlands include staff training, development and implementation support, and flexible online e-learning programmes.