The virtual Q1 NOA quarterly meeting took place on Wednesday 8 July and had a workforce and wellbeing focus.
NOA’s Lead CEO and Chief Executive of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS FT (ROH), Jo Williams opened the meeting with an introduction to session one and an outline of how the NOA has responded to its members during the pandemic. Jo also gave an overview of the importance of wellbeing at her own trust.
Session one, Wellbeing – challenges, benefits and the future, included a series of in depth and thought-provoking presentations. Mr Steve White, Chief Medical Officer and Dr Alexander Yashchik, Wellbeing Guardian, both from The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS FT (RJAH) presented on wellbeing and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected wellbeing for doctors. Tony Clayson, Clinical Lead for Wellbeing and Resilience from Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS FT (WWL) looked at moral injury and psychological challenges to MSK services during Covid-19.
Karen Barker, Clinical Director Trauma and Orthopaedics, shared the wellbeing journey at Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT (OUH). John Bateson, Deputy Director of Strategy and Improvement, Laura Bevan, Director of Workforce and Charlotte Shaw, Organisational Development Manager all from The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS FT (RNOH) closed session one by covering staff wellbeing at the Trust.
Session two, Innovative ways of working – benefits to workforce and patients, included two compeling presentations. Sadia Quidwai, Physician’s Associate at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS FT gave a passionate and engaging overview of the role of the Physician Associate in Orthopaedics and their contribution during COVID-19. Sadia gave attendees sound advice to truly embrace such a valuable role. Gillian Cribb, Consultant Orthopaedic and Oncological Surgeon at RJAH shared new pathways for treating patients with tumours and using Attend Anywhere. The presentations highlighted how the Trusts is continuing to provide care, redesigning at pace whilst working through COVID-19 challenges.
The third and final session of the day was focussed on ‘Agile working – work is an activity and not a place’. Saroj Patel, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer at RNOH shared her personal experience of adapting to work from home and explored how to make working from home for extended periods workable and productive. She also provided useful tips on managing isolation, work life balance and stress.
Sarah Sheppard, Chief People Officer at RJAH and Director of People at NHS Midlands and Lancashire CSU explored the challenges and benefits of agile working and the role of managers and leaders. Sarah walked attendees through embracing the moment and seeing the positives when supporting a workforce with agile working.
If you are from an NOA member you can access session recordings and presentation slides in the members’ area of our website here. The next NOA quarterly meeting is scheduled for September 2020. Email info.noa@nhs.net to register your interest in attending.