Fiona Morris describes how the implementation of a framework to assess nursing practices and care has helped to enhance standards, accountability and leadership

In 2008, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust introduced a ward-based performance assessment framework, the Nursing Assessment and Accreditation System, which is designed to foster a culture of safety by helping nurses monitor the quality of care. It is based on the trust’s Safe, Clean and Personal Every time approach to service provision and is designed to support communication, accountability, teamworking and leadership, attention to safety and quality improvement, to ensure that patients are placed at the centre of the care services provided.