Tell us a bit about your role
As the Clinical Director for the Provider Collaborative, I work to improve the care that young people, carers and families get if, and when, they might be admitted to a mental health unit.
I do this by listening to what people tell me about their experiences when admitted; and learn about what others want to do, and are doing, to improve inpatient care. I then try to make changes, both in a person's current care and in the journey that young people take when they might be admitted.
How long have you worked for the Provider Collaborative?
Five years, eleven months and eight days and counting…even before it was called a Provider Collaborative.
What's the favourite thing about your job?
I love this job. Every day is different. On Monday I might visit a young person in hospital, hearing about how they are getting on, and on Wednesday I can be sharing what they have told me, to try to improve care.
I like that the Provider Collaborative is agile. It can listen to what people say and want, evaluate what value this might have, develop the idea and pilot it quickly. The people that I work with make me want to come to work every day. They are thoughtful, experienced, respectful and focussed. They have the same values and principles as me. They put young people, carers, families and staff at the heart of their work.
How did you get into the role?
I was working in a mental health unit, having previously worked in community mental health services. Young people and families would tell me about their experiences and how disjointed their care had been when they were most unwell.
I wanted to make that care better and more joined-up. I had some clinical ideas about how to do this, but did not know how to make those ideas happen. This made me frustrated. Then, I heard about a change in commissioning arrangements which would allow local areas to be in more control of improving care. I had never done anything like it before but knew that I had to try to be part of the change.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I don't really have any one thing. I tend to become quite interested in something, and then gradually lose interest. Right now, it's chickens. I have built a chicken village and rehomed some battery hens. They seem to like it. My favourite one is called Megatron.
Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you?
In my spare time I wear a leotard and fight crime!