National NHS deputy chief nursing officer visits Trust
We welcomed national director of education and long-term workforce plan delivery and deputy chief nursing officer of England Mark Radford to our Trust in February to find out more about our work.
Mark was joined by University of Huddersfield’s Professor Warren Gillibrand, who is also a governor with our Trust, and senior lecturer in nursing Nikki Rochnia.
Mark, Warren and Nikki met with our nursing, quality and professions leadership team to hear about our progress towards increasing student placements, our clinical teams who work hard to meet the needs of a high number of learners from many disciplines, and the Trust’s focus on preceptee support.
They then visited Walton ward, our psychiatric intensive care unit in Wakefield, to meet matron Shona McGuire and lead nurse Sandra Butler. Shona and Sandra welcomed them onto the ward with a tour, and talked about the need to recognise mental health inpatients as a specialist area where people can choose to build a career.
With over 30 years of experience in mental health inpatient services, Sandra was more than happy to share her insights.
Mark, Warren and Nikki then moved on to the Trust’s unique on-site Mental Health Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of objects and stories showcasing the history of mental health care from the early 19th century to the present day.
Mark said: “Thanks for an excellent visit to Fieldhead with support from University of Huddersfield’s academic team.
“It was good to see that the relationship and collaboration between the NHS and the University is thriving. It was clear that the Trust and the University are focused on quality of placements and outcomes aligned to patients, communities and their care needs.
“It is a hugely challenging time for both sectors but I saw a great deal that the Trust can be proud of.”
