A very varied and challenging week at Liverpool Women's Hospital. On Tuesday we held a day of celebration focussing on the work of our nurses and midwives. We were fortunate to have the amazing Dame Jenni Murray, Presenter of BBC Woman's Hour as our Chair for the day. Such an inspirational and talented lady. Yet again Liverpool Women's was shown incredible support by Dame Lorna Muirhead, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and Gary Millar, Lord Mayor of Liverpool who kindly joined us for the day.
We had presentations from our very own Dr David Richmond, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, who presented to us a national and international focus on women's health issues. Steve Jamieson from the Royal College of Nurses and Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives also presented to us.
Our nurses and midwives from all of our services showcased and presented the amazing work that they are doing to improve outcomes and ensure that our patients are treated with dignity and respect when in our care.
We used the day to launch our DVD the 'Me Effect'. A massive thank you to our staff who took part in the filming and a very special thank you to our patients and their families who agreed to be filmed and share their very personal experiences.
A big thank you to our Evoc choir, which is made up of cancer survivors, who have received treatment at our hospital. As ever you were amazing.
On Tuesday afternoon I attended the Town Hall with a small group of public leaders across Liverpool for the launch of the Mayor’s Health Commission. The report highlights that as a city Liverpool needs to put in place a comprehensive system of health and well-being that requires collaboration and cooperation from a range of partners including health, education, social services and the voluntary sector.
On Friday the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee published its findings into Maternity services in England. Liverpool Women's Hospital welcomes the findings and recommendations of this report which supports the campaigning we have done locally and nationally on the NHS system of funding to support safe and sustainable maternity services.
To be a leader in the NHS you have to be brave, demonstrate courage and have resilience. There are times in the career of all Chief Executives when you have to make a stance that may have personal consequences. However, it is my strong belief that if you put the safety of patients and the well-being of staff at the heart of your decision-making, the right decision usually follows. This week has seen me once again venture into this territory, who knows what the outcome of my decision will be personally, but I do know that it is the best decision for our staff and patients. A big thank you to my Executive team, Board of Directors and senior consultants who have stood alongside me in making a very difficult call. To quote Michelle Obama: "You can't make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen."