Emma Clark, Consultant Nurse in Palliative and End of Life Care at The QEH, joined three leading health professionals in the region in April to explain to Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, how care is being transformed through embedded evidence and knowledge generation.
This is work being delivered through Norfolk Initiative for Coastal and Rural Health Equalities (NICHE), a pioneering programme funded by the former Health Education England (East of England region).
NICHE Fellowship funding is helping professionals to embed applied research within their practice to reduce health inequalities. NICHE Fellows lead projects designed to address specific, locally relevant challenges in care delivery, helping to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
Emma delivered a compelling presentation on ‘Seeing Red – Improving End-of-Life Care Pathway across West Norfolk’, on behalf of NICHE Fellow Alice Dean, Clinical Project Manager at Tapping House Hospice. The project, a collaboration between The QEH and local partners, aims to improve the experience and outcomes of people at the end of life through better coordination, earlier recognition of need, and system-wide learning.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, commented: “It was great to meet NICHE Fellows and hear how research and evaluation led by nurses and other healthcare professionals is improving the care provided in rural and coastal communities, reducing health inequalities and supporting people’s health and wellbeing.
“This excellent work demonstrates the importance of locally led innovation and leadership in improving the health of local communities and transforming care. Leadership from nurses and other healthcare professionals will be integral in implementing the government’s upcoming 10 Year Health Plan and driving improvements to deliver an NHS fit for the future.”
Dr Jonathan Webster, Professor of Practice Development and Co-Director of NICHE said: “The work of our NICHE funded Fellows demonstrates what an immense impact their embedded research and evaluation is making across our coastal and rural communities in Norfolk and Waveney.
“Through their Fellowships they are consistently demonstrating the desire to make a positive difference by sharing new insights and understanding leading to better outcomes for people and communities. The national and international relevance of their embedded research and evaluation has provided new opportunities to forge collaborations opening up exciting opportunities for shared learning and future development. The visit by the CNO for England has enabled them to share their amazing work.”
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn remains committed to championing staff-led research and service improvement as part of its mission to provide outstanding, compassionate care to the communities it serves.
Ends. Notes to editors;
About NICHE
By sparking innovation and embedding lasting transformation, The Norfolk Initiative for Coastal and Rural Health Equalities (NICHE) is helping shape a healthier future for all.
It is one of six NHS England (East of England) Anchor Institutes established in 2023. Based at the University of East Anglia, NICHE is driving change across the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS) to create healthier, more vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
Focused on what truly matters to people, NICHE brings together communities, professionals and partners to co-design practical, local solutions. At its heart is a commitment to innovation, collaboration and lasting impact through embedded research, learning and evaluation.
NICHE’s core aims are to:
- Reduce health inequalities in rural and coastal areas
- Build and develop a sustainable, skilled workforce
- Strengthen system-wide collaboration through effective partnerships
- Promote wellbeing and deliver sustainable outcomes
Its funded programmes reach deep into communities across Norfolk and Waveney, working with people in some of the most rural, coastal and isolated areas. NICHE is also building international partnerships in Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean, expanding its global impact.
NICHE delivers change through four dynamic workstreams:
- Workforce Intelligence
- Place-Based Innovation
- Workforce Optimisation
- Evaluation
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