Quality Network - Spotlight on a Quality Network Regional Lead
Find out more about Dr Stephen McAleer, a mentee in RCoA Quality Network Career Development Programme
Stephen is an ST7 resident anaesthetist with a special interest in cardiac and thoracic anaesthesia. Passionate about improving healthcare through quality improvement (QI) and leadership, Stephen has over 10 years of experience in the field, during which he has led projects that have enhanced patient safety, outcomes, and efficiency. His work introduced VTE champions and antimicrobial stewards, contributing to the UK’s antimicrobial resistance plan. These initiatives have been adopted NHS-wide and presented internationally.
Stephen is committed to enhancing both patient outcomes and healthcare system efficiency through his leadership in QI. As a QI fellow in his Trust, Stephen expanded critical care outreach, improved post-operative outcomes, and reduced infection rates. He has also led national audits, developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and clinical policies, and redesigned services including vascular access and sustainable waste systems. These accomplishments reflect his ongoing commitment to driving improvements within healthcare systems, particularly in the areas of patient safety and operational efficiency.
Building on his achievements, Stephen has embraced new challenges through the Quality Network Career Development Programme. This unique opportunity has allowed him to further hone his skills in QI and leadership. The programme has equipped him with invaluable insights and tools to navigate QI complexities, ensuring lasting change. A key takeaway from his mentorship was the importance of collaborative leadership in driving QI initiatives, an insight that has since informed his approach to regional projects. Stephen is currently focused on improving region-wide critical care transfer and retrieval pathways, enhancing post-resuscitation care, and developing more efficient rostering practices to ensure optimal resource allocation and patient care.
As a mentee, Stephen has reflected on his personal and professional goals for healthcare improvement and has gained perspective from mentors who have shared their wisdom on tackling the challenges inherent in driving quality improvement initiatives. Mentorship has refined Stephen’s strategic thinking, especially in resource allocation and team coordination for large-scale QI projects.
Throughout this experience, Stephen has come to value the role of mentorship in nurturing both technical and leadership skills. The programme has reinforced the value of fostering relationships within the Quality Network and highlighted how interconnected regional efforts are in driving positive, sustained change across healthcare settings. Motivated by these experiences, Stephen is eager to pass on the knowledge he has gained and is committed to supporting others in their journeys of QI and leadership development, with a vision of fostering lasting improvements in healthcare.
December 2025