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Why join QNLD?
Information about joining the network and testimonials from our members can be found here.
The development process gives you an opportunity to assess your inpatient service against our approved standards and work towards ensuring that your service is of a good quality, with the help of a supportive peer review team.
Accreditation assures patients, carers, frontline staff, commissioners, managers, and regulators that your inpatient service is of a good quality and that staff are committed to improving care.
Who can join?
If you work in a UK inpatient mental health service for adults with learning disabilities, then your service is eligible to join the programme. The network welcomes NHS and private sector members.
- Membership demonstrates a commitment to providing the highest level of care to service users.
- Member services receive year-round support from the QNLD Project Team.
- The network provides annual learning event and networking events. These can count towards staff members continuing professional development.
- Peer reviews provide the opportunity to visit similar units and share ideas.
- The process provides evidence to support CQC inspections and other regulatory processes.
Below are some testimonials from our member services about their experiences participating in the QNLD inpatient network:
Feedback on the impact of QNLD
“During the most recent CQC inspection, inspectors felt there were some substantial progress. We informed them of the recent QNLD involvement, and they reported that it was clear that the input had made a big difference to the environment and leadership of the unit. Most of the standards used by QNLD were very similar to the ones used by CQC, hence the real impact observed. We have this week received the results of the inspection and the unit was rated as outstanding.”
Ward Manager of a Learning Disability Service
Feedback on the QNLD Accreditation process
“The process started with a three-month self-review process with clear guidance and standards that we must evidence and submit for review. We submitted the evidence over three months through the online platform. We also sent relevant questionnaires to carers, families, and the service users to complete. This process was an opportunity for us to reflect on our practice, the care we deliver and evidence our practice against national standards. There were lots of opportunities for me to meet with the QNLD project team regarding this process and they offer training and guidance which was immensely helpful.”
Ward Manager of an Accredited service
“The QNLD team is very supportive and was always there for us as a team to answer any questions and support us towards this process. This process helps with sharing of best practice. Accreditation also provides a platform for recognition.”
Ward Manager of an Accredited service
Feedback on peer reviews
“I enjoyed the collaboration that we developed as the review team enjoyed taking part in the carer feedback session and hearing from carer's about how the unit is running. After the meeting, this had prompted a reflective exercise for me, for my own work.”
QNLD Peer Reviewer
“Despite initially feeling like it was going to be a process where we would be scrutinised it actually felt supportive and positive and I am looking forward to the feedback”
Ward Manager of an Accredited Service
“It is worth every minute! was frequently impressed at times, by how a standard was met 'above and beyond' by the host team. I got to attend the patient session and it is one of my favourite aspects of any working day, spending time with them.”
QNLD Peer Reviewer
“The software was generally user-friendly and clearly laid out. It was very easy to upload documents and write comments. The timetable and associated documents for the peer review day were very clear. We were delighted with the feedback and really appreciated the opportunity to discuss our service with clinicians from other areas in the country. It was clear that the peer review team had prepared thoroughly in advance, which enabled an in-depth overview of our service. It was great to be able to highlight the positive feedback about our service to other staff in the team and to senior managers in the Trust. It was good to be able to benchmark ourselves nationally and to discuss areas where we can improve or develop further.”
Service Lead of an Accredited Service
New teams can join the network at any time. If you’d like to join, please fill out our joining form.
If you’d like further information about joining the QNLD network, please contact us.
How much does it cost?
The programme runs on subscription fees from members; therefore, there is an annual subscription fee for each service wishing to participate in the programme. Costs are the same for both the Accreditation and Developmental option.
A year QNLD membership costs £2,780 (+VAT).
If you sign up for three years of membership at a cost of £7,920 (+VAT), you save 5% and ensure your membership cost is frozen for the duration.
The College Centre for Quality Improvement is cost-neutral, so the majority of your subscription fee goes towards the cost of organising your peer review visit and other benefits such as free training and forum events; the rest is used in administration of the process.
