of care right for our patients. And by involving everyone (including patients) in the decisions and delivery of care, we can achieve better outcomes.

For the stroke and neurology team, integrated working has meant greater compassion and improved morale. Complaints and concerns allow them to collectively make change happen at the right time. As an MDT they are able to manage and share the workload creating more time to observe and communicate with patients. This means care documents are completed alongside patients, allowing them the opportunity to ask questions or raise any issues about their care.

Fundamentals of care means we listen to the patient and their loved ones and allow them to feel comfortable and confident enough to speak and be heard in a way that is meaningful to them.

And the listening will continue as several engagement activities (run in partnership with community-based organisations that provide advice, guidance and services to stroke survivors and their families) take place to explore what matters to patients and their families as the service adapts for Midland Met.

This is great work from a fantastic group of colleagues whose motivation has made a difference to patient care and has had (and continues to have) a positive effect on team members. It is encouraging to see colleagues across multiple professions collaborating so effectively.

As ever, I am keen to meet as many of you as I can – drop me a line david.nicholson3@nhs.net