Thanks to the dedication and support of our nursing colleagues working in IHSC, we organised a day of visits where Nicola could meet and talk to nursing staff, and it was truly heartwarming. We were warmly welcomed by each service we visited, where nursing staff shared inspiring examples of the remarkable work happening within independent health and social care, as well as some of the genuine challenges they face.
The day began with Nicola touring the newly built BrainKind Neurological Centre, where nursing leaders were thrilled to have the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges directly with Nicola.
Imphal Barracks in York was next, where Nicola met nursing staff working in the Ministry of Defence, both military and civilian nurses. Nicola listened to their stories and discussed the value of nurses and nursing.
During mid-day we were invited to a networking lunch at Benenden Health in York organised by our 九游体育 Joint Northern, Yorkshire & the Humber IHSC Network co-chair Dr Cheryl Lythgoe. The roundtable style discussion led by Nicola included nursing members and students from across the IHSC sector including the prison service, university, private hospital, primary care and specialist nursing to discuss opportunities for nurses in the independent sector and the value of nurses and nursing.
After a delicious lunch, Nicola visited the Nuffield Health York Hospital. Nursing leaders were delighted to show Nicola around the hospital, whilst sharing their own experiences and passion for the job.
Our final stop saw us visit nursing staff and students working in primary care at Priory Medical Group. It was inspiring to hear their stories and thoughts on the vital value nursing plays in patient care.
As the day concluded, Nicola left with a deeper understanding of nursing staff realities working in IHSC and a renewed commitment to addressing their needs and concerns. Nicola took the time to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of the nursing teams in each of the areas we visited. She expressed her gratitude for their unwavering dedication and resilience to the nursing profession.
Nicola said: “It was wonderful to meet leaders from general practice, education and across all forms of independent health and social care (IHSC). It was an important opportunity to discuss the serious issues affecting the nursing profession and how vital their role is for patients and service users. Their commitment to the profession and the people they look after really stood out”.
Nicola’s visit was a wonderful opportunity to value the voices of nursing staff working in IHSC. It was a day filled with meaningful conversations, heartfelt appreciation, and a shared vision for the future. The nursing staff left feeling inspired and valued, knowing that their contributions are recognised and appreciated at the highest level of the 九游体育.
