Celebrating Hikitia success

For the team at Woodham Road Medical Centre, achieving Hikitia accreditation in December 2024 wasn’t just about meeting a standard, it was about growing together, improving systems, and ensuring the best outcomes for their patients.  

“Achieving Hikita was confirmation that we’re providing a high-quality service and ‘lifting up’ our patients to achieve the best outcomes possible,” Lead Nurse, Lynette Sheppard, said.    

The accreditation followed a year of reassessing every aspect of the practice. In 2024, the team completed Foundation and Cornerstone accreditations, using the data to drive further improvements.  

“We wanted to make our practice as efficient as possible and deliver excellence in outcomes,” Lynette said. “Hikitia kept us focused and improved communication.”

A key challenge was the lack of clinical pace for nurses. 

“Through collaboration with operational management, we developed a plan for a new space, which is now underway,” Lynette said.  

Patient care has also transformed. The practice has streamlined portal access, enhanced shared care planning, strengthened engagement with new mothers, and are now striving to improve immunisation rates. While some of these changes might not be immediately visible to patients, they are driving real improvements in care.  

Reflecting on their journey, the team encourages others to embrace Hikitia.  

“It’s been practice-changing. We’ve empowered staff, improved patient access, and set ourselves up to fly. Bringing everyone along sparks great ideas, drives innovation, and ensures shared success,” Practice Manager, Andrea Lawson, said.