Andy started this role in January 2023. With huge amounts of positive energy and perseverance, he has made a great difference to the service. He is a well-respected leader, who is always approachable and kind.
The team can rely on his relatable approach, which builds great confidence, bringing the best out of those staff working within the service. Andy’s organisational skills, including prioritisation, mean staff have felt heard and have seen a direct improvement in their areas, which results in better patient care.
Andy has quickly prioritised the improvement of staff and clinical areas within Sue Nicholls – involving staff and ensuring patient accessibility every step of the way. He has refurbished areas in the short term, accessed artwork by young people to improve the feel of the space, and secured significant investment for the whole building.
These improvements will have a positive impact on patients and loved ones, allowing them to be fully immersed in the development of the service and how this looks in the future.
Adopting a coaching and mentoring approach, Andy encourages staff to develop their skills and shares his experience. He collaborates with the team and supports staff consistently.
The nomination
Andy was nominated by Service Managers for Buckinghamshire CAMHS & Eating Disorders, Lucy Eaves, Megan Wale and Tracy Shaw – who wanted to express how much the service appreciate and value his dedication, honesty and drive for change.
“Andy has worked consistently to improve communication from service leadership by providing a range of approaches including regular head of service updates, video messages for staff, and more recently an all-Buckinghamshire CAMHS Teams channel – all with the aim of developing a ‘whole CAMHS’ ethos and feel.
“He fully supports staff well-being, co-production, and service development – encouraging initiatives in these areas, which lead to a more caring and inclusive culture. We believe this is taking the service closer towards the Trust standard of excellence.
“Andy has shown a real passion for supporting the service to recognise and manage risks faced, including the increasing demands on children’s mental health services. As part of this, he has been dedicated to running an effective risk management register, which feeds into the wider directorate risks. This has seen an increased containment in terms of managing the difficulties of increased referrals alongside issues with recruiting. The service feels a safer place with Andy leading.
“Andy is also extremely passionate about patient involvement and is currently working on a service-wide project to improve the way in which we involve children and young people, parents and carers in shaping our services. We are looking forward to supporting with this and seeing how this develops over the next 12 months.”
Published: 28 October 2024