A Scottish nurse is celebrating after securing a unique foreign scholarship that will help improve the healthcare patients receive in Scotland.

Claire Blackwood, a Glasgow-based inspector with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, has been awarded a travel scholarship by the Florence Nightingale Foundation to study in Canada and Denmark in 2014.

The aim of the study tour is to learn more about the methods used to accredit and inspect hospitals in the two countries, which will help inform how inspections are carried out in Scotland.

Claire, who has worked for Healthcare Improvement Scotland since June, said she is delighted to have the opportunity to learn more about the scrutiny processes used in other healthcare services.

She said:  “Reviewing our own processes is key in building and maintaining a culture of continuous quality improvement within Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

“As I am new into post, I now have the chance to learn more about the different ways inspections are undertaken and how patient and staff views can be utilised to help inform this process.

“I am looking to inform and support the Scrutiny and Assurance Directorate of Healthcare Improvement Scotland in its aim of carrying out hospital inspections to improve the quality and safety of care patients in Scotland receive.

“Shadowing a review team on hospital visits in other countries will help me understand their inspection and accreditation functions at first-hand to see how their methods could help inform our current processes.”

Claire has a strong background in nursing having gained an adult nursing diploma (RGN), a BSc in Adult Nursing and is currently studying for her MCs in Advanced Practise. She has also completed various courses in “improved methodology” theory and its application to practice, making this scholarship a perfect addition to her already extensive knowledge in the field.

On complete of the scholarship, “A review of hospital inspection methodologies to inform practice in Scotland”, next year, Claire will be sharing her findings widely.

The Florence Nightingale Foundation raises funds to provide research and travel opportunities for nurses and midwives who strive to meet the ever-changing healthcare needs and to improve overall patient care in the UK.

The travel scholarships are available to nurses and midwives who have current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and want a real opportunity to study practise overseas that will enhance both patient and user care in the UK.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland is the organisation set up in April 2011 to help improve the care patients receive across Scotland.