Harshil Gajjar
Harshil Gajjar

Senior Leader apprentice works with mental health nurse to develop award-winning de-escalation programme

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Harshil Gajjar, a Senior Leader postgraduate apprentice at the Claude Littner Business School (CLBS) at the University of West London, has worked with practice development nurse Melville ‘Jimmy’ Garber on an award-winning project to train staff in de-escalation techniques for his Strategy and Innovation module. 

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A Learning and Development Partner for the West London NHS Trust, Harshil transformed a PowerPoint presentation into an innovative, interactive QR-coded digital booklet designed for smartphones. 

This cutting-edge tool enhances training for mental health professionals on acute wards by incorporating bespoke scenario videos, non-contact challenging role play, teamwork exercises, and communication skills development. It also introduces critical concepts of spatial and situational awareness, fostering a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. 

The project won Jimmy a Behind the Scenes Champion - Large Employer Inside Out Award and was shortlisted in Nursing in Mental Health for the Nursing Times Award 2024 and the Mental Health Safety Improvement Award in The HSJ (Health Service Journal) Patient Safety Awards. 

In the present climate of rising violence and aggression experienced by service users and frontline staff in health and social care, this project is tailored to practically address those pressures and create safer environments for all with empathy, love and care at the core,” 

explained Jimmy and Harshil.

It aims to empower staff with the empathy, compassion, skills and knowledge to foresee, reduce and prevent violence and aggression and de-escalate potentially harmful and dangerous situations. This training supports the amazing work already being undertaken by the Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) team.” 

Harshil added: 

Thanks to Dr Malak Hamdan for all the support during the Strategy and Innovation module for the Postgraduate Diploma (Senior Leader Apprenticeship) programme.” 

Senior Lecturer Dr Malak Hamdan, Harshil’s course tutor said: 

Innovation and strategy are the lifeblood of progress in this fast-evolving world. They empower us to solve complex challenges, shape meaningful change and create a brighter, more sustainable future. 

Harshil’s work shows how creative collaboration can be transformative. It highlights how innovation can address critical issues and make a lasting impact.” 

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