29.06.16
Developing the next generation of clinical leaders
Lynda Scott from Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit writes about an opportunity for developing the next generation of clinical leaders.
Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group are holding a Primary Care Leadership Summit on 21 July 2016 to develop the next generation of clinical leaders in the West Midlands.
The NHS is a success because it doesn’t stand still; it’s constantly striving to be the best. This is only possible with the right leaders driving us forward.
As with other specialisms, you need to invest in the best. You can’t make a great meal with cheap wine; you can’t paint a masterpiece if you don’t have the right skills. It’s the same in the NHS; how can we expect great leaders, if we don’t invest in them?
Primary care is at the heart of the NHS. It’s the ideal environment for developing future clinical leaders as they often see right across the challenges the NHS faces and the way organisations interact with people. Empowering leadership voices that can make a difference at the frontline could unleash the energy and capability we will absolutely need for the next phase of the NHS during these tumultuous times.
Professor Nick Harding, chair of the Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, has had the opportunity to meet and hear from some of the best leaders the NHS has to offer. Having this access to leading clinicians is what gave him the idea to establish a primary care leadership programme.
He felt that when he was starting out in his career and was looking for a steer, there was a real gap in leadership courses targeted around general practitioner needs in primary care. He could see no change since that time, and as a GP trainer he could see the challenges and pressures faced by new GPs.
A programme developed by GPs, for GPs
With funding support from Health Education West Midlands, Professor Harding has created something different – a bespoke programme for emerging general practitioner leaders that combines self-development activities with the expertise of local and national leaders. This Primary Care Leadership Programme was completed by 120 GPs over 12 months (2015-16). The programme was developed by GPs, for GPS. An overwhelming 97% of GPs who completed the programme said they would recommend it to others, and 95% said they would be keen to attend a follow up programme.
In response to this positive feedback, the CCG has organised a Primary Care Leadership Summit to build upon the momentum and leadership successes achieved over the past 12 months. Based on the topic ‘Learning from the Outside’, there will be thought-provoking guest speakers from across the NHS and beyond, including:
- Rt Hon Jacqui Smith – Chair of Heart of England Foundation Trust
- Alex Walker – former Customer and Consumer Services Director at Miele
- Dr Tony Wourhra – Chair of East End Foods
- Professor Ian Cummings OBE – Chief Executive of Health Education England
All of the guest speakers recognise how important it is to support emerging leaders in primary care. Hearing about their leadership journey in an open and honest way, from their joys and successes to the challenges they faced and how they overcame these barriers, is a fantastic opportunity. Participants of the leadership programme have already provided feedback on the many ideas they have taken back to their practices.
The Primary Care Leadership Summit will be held on Thursday 21st July 2016:
12pm arrival for a light lunch and networking
1:30pm start – 6pm close
This FREE event will be held at the National Conference Centre Coventry Road, Bickenhill Solihull, West Midlands. This is an opportunity not to be missed, so book your place early to avoid disappointment! Email [email protected] or phone: 0121 612 1447.
For more information on the Primary Care Leadership programme, visit www.primarycareleaders.co.uk