Strong leaders will take forward transformation

Date published: 8 November 2016

That was the message from Health Minister Michelle O’Neill as she praised the exceptional achievements of staff in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) at the annual Leadership Conference and Chairman’s Recognition Awards.

Speaking to delegates at the conference in the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick, Health Minister said: “I am impressed by the commitment, compassion and unfailing enthusiasm of the staff right across Health and Social Care (HSC).”

The Minister continued: “In October, I announced 'Health and Well-being 2026: Delivering Together', to take forward radical and far-reaching transformation of our health service. Since then, I have made it clear that I cannot do this alone. By working in partnership with those who use, and those who deliver services, we can co-design, co-produce and implement the changes our population deserves. Good leadership from those working in the health sector will be of paramount importance as we move forward with transformation.

“I am committed to the development of a workforce strategy to cover all aspects of the HSC workforce, including opportunities for introducing new job roles and re-skilling and up-skilling initiatives. I also want to see leadership capacity and capability strengthened across the region and the development of an HSC-wide leadership strategy.

“I want to see effective leadership at all levels – collective leadership. This means all members of the team taking responsibility for the success of the group, not just for their own jobs or area. I want all staff to contribute and drive improvements in the care they provide.

“This will require a shift in the current culture and as leaders in the HSC I encourage you to embrace and champion this change. Through all the challenges we face today and the many more we will face in the future, we are a team. It will at times be a difficult journey, but it is a journey we must take together if we are going to transform in the way that we need to. I am confident that we can."

The Northern Trust holds an annual leadership conference as part of its strategy to improve leadership capability within the organisation and to provide an opportunity for leaders and managers to engage and to learn from best practice in all areas of health and social care. The Chairman’s awards recognise and reward their teams and staff who work to deliver high quality, effective and innovative services for the benefit of the service users.

Speaking about the awards, the Minister said: “I would like to congratulate those who received awards today. Our HSC staff make a difference to the lives of many on a daily basis. I want to commend all of our staff for their continued dedication to providing the highest quality care for patients.”