Four NHS healthcare workers from the Black Country are celebrating after graduating from the University of Birmingham with a Masters (MSc) in Healthcare Leadership.
The fab four balanced years of study alongside family life and busy jobs at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; the lead provider of mental health, learning disability and autism services across the Black Country.
Aparna, David, Kerry and Vikki completed the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson programme in senior healthcare leadership which gives each of them sought-after qualifications; the NHS Leadership Academy Award in Senior Healthcare Leadership, a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship and a Masters in Healthcare Leadership.
Kerry Wilkes, Principal of the Trust’s Recovery College reflected on her achievement:
“It has been a busy three years, but absolutely worth it. I am really grateful for the opportunity and all the learning it has afforded me.
“Many colleagues helped me along the way, my workplace mentors and my team who spent time participating in activities and helping with the research for my dissertation. You all supported my journey, and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Programme is a 24-month masters degree programme in Healthcare Leadership. It equips people with the confidence to challenge the status quo and drive real and lasting change to improve the patient experience.
The focus of the programme is on developing a deep understanding of the patient experience, strengthening leadership practice, working more strategically and collaboratively, building resilience to meet the demands of high-pressurised healthcare environments, and improving personal impact to inspire a team and organisation to build a culture of inclusive, patient-centred care.
The four ‘study buddies’ work in mental health services spanning children and young people, adults and older adults’ mental health, and the course inspires bringing immediate positive changes as Dr Aparna Prasanna, Consultant Psychiatrist and Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer identified in her own study:
“Securing a place on the prestigious Elizabeth Garrett Anderson programme with a full bursary marked the beginning of an incredible two-year journey, one that required balancing the demands of busy full-time clinical work, leadership responsibilities, and personal life. It all culminated in a proud and joyful day under glorious sunshine at the University of Birmingham, where I was awarded an MSc in Healthcare Leadership.
“Along the way, I gained not only knowledge and skills that I have already started applying in my roles within the organisation and beyond, but also lifelong friendships. A huge thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this journey, your encouragement meant the world.”
David Popoola, Dudley Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Crisis Team Leader recognised the importance of a strong network of support for completing his learning journey:
“The journey to achieving this award has been incredibly challenging and time-consuming, but I’m truly proud to have completed the course. I will continue to use the knowledge, skill, experience and networking gained during the programme to improve my leadership and service across the organisation.
“I owe special thanks to my amazing colleagues in the Crisis Team (past and present) whose support has been invaluable. Heartfelt gratitude to my manager and my mentor, who encouraged and nominated me for this opportunity and Tariq Saraf Library staff for their support. Most importantly, I thank my family, who endured countless sacrifices and supported me unconditionally, especially during the periods I made the library my second home.”
Vikki Gibbons, Clinical Programme Manager – Performance and Productivity, wants to inspire others to consider embracing a learning journey:
“The last three years, from the start of the programme to graduating in July has been a whirlwind and I have been very fortunate to meet lifelong friends on the way.
“While the course is intense, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to undertake it, and I would strongly encourage other senior leaders to think about enrolling on the programme.”
Black Country Healthcare is proud to support those staff who want to continue their education alongside working, recognising their commitment to learning helps to drive our culture of continuous quality improvement in patient care.
As an organisation we empower our staff, and foster a culture of trust, confidence and continuous learning where they are encouraged to speak up, innovate and reach their full potential.