Investing in Care: A Joint Celebration of Innovation and Impact
Following a donation of £25,000, the RCN Foundation LV= Quality Improvement Project Grants Programme has funded eight projects across England, Scotland and Wales.
On 3 December 2025, we celebrated the impact of the funded projects as well as our long-standing partnership between LV= and the RCN Foundation. We are proud to celebrate a long-standing partnership with LV= – their generous support has enabled countless projects that improve care, strengthen nursing and midwifery and create a lasting impact.
Driving future change in healthcare through innovation and collaboration
The QI Programme funds nursing and midwifery-led projects that tackle real world challenges in health and social care. From improving dementia care, to enhancing maternity pathways, these initiatives demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can transform patient experiences and workforce wellbeing.
Deepa Korea, Director, RCN Foundation said: “QI projects are a wonderful new part of the work and grant making that we do. It came directly from co-production work that we undertook with nurses and midwives in Wales. We are so grateful to LV= who have sponsored the grant. Their generosity has been incredible - not just for this, but the other awards and direct grant making they have funded.”
Hannah Walker, Head of Partnerships LV= General Insurance, said: "We’re really proud of the relationship we have with the RCN foundation and it It really is inspiring to walk around the room and see the projects and the work that is taking place."
Charlotte McArdle, RCN Foundation Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and keynote speaker, said: “Congratulations to the successful awardees. The projects are fantastic and so widespread and will have such an impact on care – whether it’s patient, personal or in the community. By participating in QI projects, nurses and midwives will identify gaps in care and directly contribute to improving the quality of services people receive. Not only do I believe in QI, but I believe that nurse and midwives are best placed to deliver these changes."
Learn more about the eight projects that received funding in 2025:
Research Training for People with Learning Disabilities
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Norfolk’s antenatal pathway for women with learning disabilities is the first of its kind in the UK. The project will enhance accessibility and quality of care for pregnant women with a learning disability. A tailored Easy Read Maternity Passport will be developed, co-created by people with learning disabilities, to support clearer communication and equitable healthcare for prospective parents.
From Crisis to Connection: A Dementia Care Initiative
Brookview Ward, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
This project supports dementia care in Northampton by providing staff with “grab-and-go” boxes filled with simple, ready-to-use tools including photo books, puzzles, fidget items and mindfulness prompts. These resources help reduce agitation, stimulate memory and promote emotional well-being, enabling more holistic and person-centred care on acute wards.
Supporting Recovery: Improving and Standardising Postnatal Perineal Care
Midwifery team, Forth Valley Royal Hospital
This project aims to improve postnatal recovery for women with perineal trauma by providing Care & Comfort Packs. The initiative supports faster healing, enhances maternal wellbeing and reduces complications. The project addresses health inequalities by ensuring all women receive equal access to essential recovery tools.
Prevention of Falls and Pressure Ulcers
Corporate Services: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
This South Wales initiative tackles preventable patient safety issues (falls and pressure ulcers) by co-producing clear, accessible educational leaflets with patients, carers and staff. Available in clinics and online, the materials aim to empower patients with practical strategies and foster shared responsibility in care.
Aspirant Clinical Nurse Specialist Awareness Programme
Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
This project supports 12 nurses in London to explore the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role over a 12-month period. The initiative aims to deepen understanding of CNS responsibilities, improve career development and person-centred cancer care. It addresses workforce gaps by preparing nurses for complex roles, thereby aiming to improve retention.
Increasing Ward Capacity and Supporting Earlier Flow Through Criteria-Led Nurse Discharge
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT)
This project aims to scale up Criteria-Led Nurse Discharge (CLND) across three hospital sites in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. CLND empowers nurses to discharge patients based on pre-defined medical criteria, improving hospital flow and reducing delays. A successful pilot showed earlier discharges increased patient satisfaction and freed up medical staff time. Outcomes will be measured through patient and staff feedback, discharge timing and readmission rates.
RateMyShift: Real-Time Shift Feedback and Workforce Optimisation Tool
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
This project in Bristol enhances workforce wellbeing and retention by integrating a leadership coaching resource into the RateMyShift platform. It addresses challenges such as stress-related absences and poor staff engagement by equipping managers with compassionate leadership skills to respond meaningfully to feedback. The initiative includes training materials, coaching support and evaluation frameworks. By empowering managers and amplifying staff voices, the project aims to foster a culture of support, innovation and person-centred care across healthcare teams.
The Reintroduction of the ‘Babysitting Course’ in Orkney
Orkney School Health Team
This course in Orkney teaches young people essential life skills, such as home safety, first aid and baby care under the theme of sexual health and wellbeing. Over 8 weeks, 8–10 pupils will take part, including a 48-hour experience caring for a virtual baby. The course supports vulnerable teenagers and strengthens connections with school nurses.
