Lesley talks about...caring for our young people

Lesley Writtle, Deputy Chair

Hello From The Chair

As you know our Chairman, Sir David Nicholson is now the chair of all the Black Country acute provider organisations. As a result, deputy chairs have been appointed across the four organisations, and our role is to support Sir David in our organisations by keeping in contact with staff and patients with a focus on quality, safety and resource management.

For me, it also means you will see a regular column from me in Heartbeat reflecting on the great work going on in the organisation.

So little bit about myself. I was appointed as a non-exec director here at SWB in March 2020 after retiring as chief executive of Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. I previously served at as a chief operating officer, deputy CEO and Director in a number of Black Country organisations.

I was delighted to come back to SWB as my career started at Sandwell District Hospital 1981 when I began my training as a nurse.

I was a staff nurse on Lyndon 2 and the neonatal unit, and it was there that I decided I wanted to train as a children’s nurse.

After qualifying as a registered sick children’s nurse, I then worked at Birmingham Children’s Hospital occupying a range of specialist roles in ITU, children’s oncology/haematology services before moving in late 1990s to become a nurse manager/general manager.

I joined Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in 2011 from Wolverhampton Primary Care Trust where I had been director of mental health since 2006. Prior to this I was director of primary care and children’s services.

One thing that strikes me about SWB is how welcoming you all are. When I visit areas, I find that everyone is proud of the work they do and the service they provide to our patients. I find you are also honest about the challenges you face, and these are good conversations to have as it helps me to understand how the Board can better support you.

A good many of you have given your service to SWB for many years and it’s great to see how this experience is shared with newer members of the organisation.

This month one of the areas I visited was the Day Nursery at Sandwell Hospital, and what a treat and delight it was to meet the team and the children.

This nursery plays an important role in what we do for our people – it means you can start a family and have a safe place to leave your child while you work. It was heartening to hear the stories of colleagues whose children attended the nursery and are now adults and sometimes return to say hello and thank the staff for helping to give them a brilliant start.

You will know that the nursery was rated Good by OFSTED earlier this year, a real testament to the dedication of manager, Emma Collier and her team.

The inspectors called out how the children are confident and form strong attachments with staff, which helps them to feel safe and secure. They also highlighted the opportunity allowed for outdoor learning which has seen the children grow a variety of organic produce in their garden area, including tomatoes, lettuce and carrots.

I look forward to returning to the nursery and spending half a day helping to look after the children.

If you would like me to visit your area please email me lesley.writtle@nhs.net