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New nursing council to represent decision-making at all levels
12 May 2023
A new nursing council has launched to bridge the gap and ensure no decisions are made about nursing staff without their voice being heard. The launch of the council coincides with International Day of the Nurse 2023.
The nursing council aims to build an accessible forum where staff views are respected, recognised, and channelled effectively to ensure they're equipped to fulfil their roles in being excellent, open, and kind.
By building connections, and reducing the gap between ward to board, the nursing council believes that no decision will be made about us, without us.
Below, meet some of the council members and find out why they think the nursing council is so important. You can join the nursing council here.
You can also follow the nursing council on Twitter.
Saffron Bayes
Healthcare Assistant/Student Nurse
How long have you worked for the Trust?
9 years in June!
Why did you decide to join the council?
I decided to join the council to help provide a voice for people in all nursing related roles to continuously improve the working environment we are surrounded by and to create a link for all students to improve their learning experiences.
What do you hope the council will achieve?
I hope the council will encourage people to speak up about ideas they are passionate about and create links for people all over the Trust.
Fae
Assistant Practitioner
How long have you worked for the Trust?
15 years
Why do you think the nursing council is important?
The council is important because it gives nursing staff a chance to voice their opinions, experiences, and goals.
Why did you decide to join the council?
I want to join the council as I have a broad range of experience in the Trust and I feel like I would be a good advocate for others.
Tina Leake
Ward Sister
How long have you worked for the Trust?
26 years
Why do you think the nursing council is important?
There has never been any formal group representing nurses in the Trust, and as one of the biggest workforce, it is important to have a voice for all nursing staff.
What would you say to a colleague thinking of joining the council?
Be prepared to make a commitment to the council – and be passionate about it. There are meetings to attend and actions to be undertaken.
What are you passionate about at work?
I am very passionate about delivering high standards of care for my elderly patients. I am passionate about being an advocate for my staff, I want them to feel satisfied with their standard of care as this will result in positive patient experience.
Sharren Carr
Associate Educator
How long have you worked for the Trust?
21 years
Why do you think the nursing council is important?
It will help with fostering good relationships with all nursing staff to navigate complex situations with a united voice.
What would you say to a colleague thinking of joining the council?
Joining the NC is an important position in ensuring our voice is heard, empowering the nursing staff to develop long-term sustainable developments.
Jane Keightley
Clinical Educator
How long have you worked for the Trust?
On and off for 10 years
What are you passionate about at work?
Because of the nature of my job, I deal with a lot of questions/complaints from new and not so new staff members on the wards, being able to solve issues that arise and make staff happier in the workplace gives me a great sense of worth.
Why did you decide to join the nursing council?
I joined the nursing council because I feel it is a great place to share ideas and concerns from the wider team within the hospital setting. I like a challenge and like to show that I have acted upon any question/concern that has been voiced, the nursing council is a fantastic way to make the workers voice known.
Leigh Tamaca
Staff Nurse
How long have you worked for the Trust?
3 years
Why do you think the nursing council is important?
The nursing council is important because it gives the nursing team a voice to express their concerns and be heard. It communicates professional decision-making between the front liners and the board members.
What would you say to colleagues thinking of joining the nursing council?
The nursing council is a great chance for you to have a say. It will empower staff and they will feel valued.
Jason Angus
Paediatric Healthcare Assistant
How long have you worked for the Trust?
2 years
Why do you think the nursing council is important?
There is a wealth of knowledge and experience across the Trust, and the council is a great way of utilising it.
What are you passionate about at work?
I'm passionate about making sure patients have a positive experience of our hospitals and creating a better working environment for all colleagues.
Grace Greenwood
Clinical Teaching Fellow
How long have you worked for the Trust?
6 years
Why did you decide to join the nursing council?
I’m passionate about reducing resistance to change and exploring the bigger picture. The council enables me to understand the views of all staff members to capture their experience, and act as a conduit between ward to board.
What do you hope the council will achieve?
I hope the council will create unity by bridging the gap between the ward and board and eradicate the 'us and them' culture.
Stefan
Healthcare Assistant
How long have you worked for the Trust?
5 years
Why did you decide to join the nursing council?
I joined the council because I want to help those around me be heard and to help the Trust make decisions that go in the right direction.
Elaine Wagg
Associate Practitioner
How long have you worked for the Trust?
13 years
Why did you decide to join the nursing council?
I joined the council to advocate for my nursing colleagues - I would like the council to act as a conduit to improve inter-departmental collaboration and communication, especially in the areas of proposed change that will impact on day-to-day delivery of patient care.
Don-Nelson Olowofoyeku
Trainee Clinical Endoscopist
Why did you decide to join the nursing council?
I believe nursing decisions should involve nurses and other health professionals.
What would you say to colleagues thinking of joining the council?
It's never too late to let those wonderful ideas and innovations that will contribute to patients and staff safety come to the limelight. Here's a forum where many positive things can be achieved.
What are you hoping the nursing council will achieve?
I hope it will serve as a link between staff and management in the actualisation of improved service delivery for our patients.
Dian
Deputy Charge Nurse
How long have you worked for the Trust?
3 years
Why did you decide to join the nursing council?
I want to make a difference in an organisation and to make sure everyone is heard. To know I can, and we can, do something.
What are you passionate about at work?
I am passionate about work happiness and workforce retention.
Francisco Raposo
Acutes Deputy Team Leader
How long have you worked for the Trust?
1 year
Why do you think the nursing council is important?
I think it's important because it brings an accessible forum to the Trust’s nursing staff, where we discuss pertinent issues that may be preventing them from fulfilling their role effectively, and where we bridge the gap between stakeholders and decision-makers.
Why did you decide to join the nursing council?
So I can fulfil my purpose of ensuring the nursing staff get their voice heard when they fight for what we believe in, enhancing patient safety and job satisfaction.
