January 2025
What is your current role?
I am the Network Director for the London Neonatal Operational Delivery Network. The network is comprised of 27 hospitals across London which work together to provide specialist care for sick new-born babies in the capital. The network is there to ensure that babies born prematurely can access the level of care they need when they need it.
The aims of the Network are:
- for mothers and babies to receive the care they need, as close to home as possible
- to promote and share best practice
- to give families consistent and high quality information and support, and involve them in the care they receive
It is supported by NHS England and has been hosted by Evelina London since 2019.
I am the operational lead and develop the strategic vision to support delivery of national policy and network objectives.
Could you describe your career journey?
My background is in operational and transformational management. For the last 20 years, I have worked in a variety of senior NHS roles across major trauma. These roles have included working within the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, A&E and NHS England. My journey with neonatal care began in 2011 (when I managed the North Central London Perinatal Network), before being promoted to the London Neonatal Network Director role in January 2014.
Tell us about your passion for improving the quality and outcomes of neonatal care across London
Premature infants are incredibly vulnerable and strong in equal measure. I am passionate about creating equitable services and reducing inequalities across the London region to ensure each baby has the right care.
The care and interventions that take place when they are first born have an impact on their whole life. Advocating for these infants and leading programmes of work with expert clinicians across the capital is what gets me up each day.
In 2020, I was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of my work to improve neonatal outcomes.
What do you find rewarding about your work?
I really enjoy being able to combine my academic interests in the health, development and education of children in the early years, with a career which brings me into contact with babies and families at a vulnerable time in their lives. By working together to join up services across health, social care and education, we can ensure each child has the best start in life.
Our work is often complex, but my clinical collegues always inspire me to work through any complexity for the benefit of the babies we care for. From time to time, I meet children who have benefited from neonatal care, and it's very rewarding to see how well they have progressed.
What is your proudest moment?
I have recently been appointed as an Honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Greenwich. The award acknowledges my contributions to neonatal healthcare, leadership in the NHS and dedication to public service for over two decades. I feel honoured to have been recognised in this way.
How do you relax?
To unwind, I like to spend time with my family and friends.
Do you have any hobbies?
In my spare time, I volunteer as an instructor for the Sea Cadet Corps. This organisation aims to give young people a headstart in life by introducing them to the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy.
Do you have any advice for young people considering a career similar to your own?
A career in NHS networks is very rewarding. Working across a region provides opportunities to make a really significant difference.
My job requires lots of flexibility and the ability to work collaboratively. If you like the idea of working with lots of healthcare providers with a single aim, and if you are skilled in negotiation and the ability to build relationships, then this is a role for you.
Thank you to the children and young people who have so brilliantly illustrated our blog pages.