Mental health teams' ‘Care Premiership’ scores with patient-centred approach

St Andrew's Healthcare Essex hospital, that specialises in caring for people with complex mental health needs, is taking a new, team-based approach to improving patient outcomes. 

Our Essex hospital has been rolling out its 'Care Premiership' programme, which has been led by nursing staff, and has also helped build a stronger sense of community. 

Inspired by the teamwork and friendly competition seen in sport, the structured “league” sees wards working together towards shared goals and earning points for everything from audits to meaningful activities. 

Each week the climax of the competition is celebrated at a Friday Fun event, where the winners are presented with a trophy and their flag is hung in reception for all to see. 

Antony Miller, Service Director in Essex, said: “The Care Premiership has created a clear framework that enhances patient care while supporting staff development. By introducing an element of friendly competition, we’ve found it keeps both staff and patients engaged and motivated.”

Patients and all staff, including nursing, therapy teams and housekeeping, are aligned to ward “teams”, helping to build shared accountability and purpose. 

A patient from Danbury ward said: “It’s really good on a Friday. Everyone gets together and it feels like a party.  We all get involved trying to win points for our teams.  We have won the Premiership a few times now.” 

Beth Phillips, Associate Director of Nursing, added: “Each ward has its own identity, with names, colours and flags designed alongside patients. It creates a real sense of pride and belonging. Everyone - staff and patients - can contribute and take part.” 

Patient involvement is central to the programme, with individuals actively contributing to activities, feedback and care planning. 

Another patient from Benfleet ward added: “I’ve been in a lot of hospitals over the years, but it feels different here. We all work together and I love the competition. I like that I can challenge anyone to try to win points and have fun whilst doing it.” 

“Patients feel more connected and heard,” Antony said. “That leads to better experiences and stronger relationships.” 

The initiative also boosts staff motivation, with achievements recognised through awards presented throughout the year.  

Regular feedback and reviews ensure the programme continues to evolve, while also ensuring the hospital is providing good quality care and hits all its compliance targets. 

The Care Premiership is one of many initiatives which has contributed towards the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) ‘Good’ rating in a newly published report.  

The rating follows an inspection in April 2026 and confirms that services across the hospital, including acute wards, psychiatric intensive care and low secure forensic services, are performing consistently well across all key areas.  

Amanda Hazelwood, Regional Managing Director, said: “The Care Premiership demonstrates how a structured, team-based approach can bring people together and support a more collaborative care environment. We’ve seen positive outcomes for both staff and patients, alongside a stronger sense of community across the hospital which has helped build a strong sense of community across the site.”