As is often the case at this time of year, I have been reflecting on the last twelve months and thinking about what 2025 might hold for the health and care system in our area.
I wrote back in May this year that we needed to carve out the time to ‘lift our gaze’ from the pressures of running our health and care services and prioritise delivery on our Integrated Care Strategy. Whilst there have been some moments throughout the year where the unexpected challenges have threatened to distract us, I am pleased that overall we are making strong progress on delivering our strategic principles of Prevention, Integration and Equity.
You can see some really great examples of how working together, differently, is having a meaningful impact on our population and their health in the winners of our Health and Care Awards. In particular I would celebrate the work delivered by Oasis Community Church in Worksop supporting men at risk of Suicide. The ‘Men At The Edge” project really exemplifies how we can make a difference by bringing together the faith sector, community groups and the NHS. Another really deserving winner was the Broxtowe Learning Disability Collaborative which has supported people with learning disabilities in a huge variety of ways and will make a real difference for the long term. All of the Award entries and winners were really excellent – you can see more details and watch the videos of all the winners.
I spend a good proportion of my time meeting with other leaders of health and care systems from across the country and I’m always keen to share where we are doing something innovative and impressive and encourage you to do the same – let’s spread the good news about our progress both within our system and more widely!
My overwhelming feeling as we finish this year and start to look towards next is one of gratitude. Thank you to everyone who works in health and care in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Thank you for your dedication, hard work and compassion. Thank you for persevering in the face of what might seem like complex challenges. Thank you for taking the time to think about how things could be done differently and better and having the courage to try something new.
Christmas may not be celebrated by everyone in our area but I always find the opportunity offered by the festive season to spend time with friends, family and loved ones a powerful time to reconnect with what matters. Whatever this festive period means to you please do take the time to rest and recharge and be ready for the challenges of 2025. And for those who are working throughout the holiday period thank you again.
Dr Kathy McLean, Chair of the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Partnership