Kath Paterson

Kath Paterson (Quality Systems Leader for the Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability Service)

A typical day
No one day is a typical day – that’s is what I like about the position of quality facilitator. My role is diverse, and as the quality improvement advisor for a couple of the big national programmes for Health Quality and Safety Commission (HQSC), I provide coaching on the application and usage of improvement tools; help guide the team in co-design; and work with the project lead to plan support and develop change ideas and measures for monitoring performance.

The co-design work means engaging with the whole sector, consumer, whānau and staff/other and getting their input right at the beginning of a project.

I also build the capability of staff by informing them at every opportunity about improvement processes. For example, I talk to new staff at their orientation about my role and what is happening across the District, or at meetings I will always have my ‘Improvement hat’ on which is informed by the work I do.

One way I’ve made a difference as a nurse
By improving the quality and safety of care for the people that come into our service by building relationships, having a knowledge of, systems and processes, and being able to see the bigger picture. It helps when change ideas are discussed knowing what may or may not work at a practical level at the workface.

What would you say to a person considering a career in nursing?
To keep your options open as there are many opportunities out there once you have completed your degree. I would also say have a broad knowledge base, read widely as there are many, many opportunities to advance your career pathway