A Time to Change

Before I joined the organisation, the CCG had already signed a pledge to commit to supporting the aims of Time to Change; challenging mental health stigma and discrimination.

In order to help raise awareness, increase knowledge, and drive change within the workplace, Richard Kirby, CCG Service Improvement Officer agreed to become an “employee champion” and he helped to develop an action plan. The plan includes a number of events, built around the staff here at the CCG, but also reaching out into the communities we serve. One of the actions requires me to compile a blog—something I am delighted to be able to do.

The statistics show that one in four people will experience a mental health problem, and even in a comparatively small organisation such as the CCG, that still equates to a significant number of people whose lives are, to whatever degree, affected by conditions that may be unseen, but can have such a devastating impact.

As an employer, we will always do whatever we can to support any member of our team; but much as the effects of a physical illness or injury are likely to be obvious, it can be so much harder to spot someone who is struggling to deal with any form of mental illness; more so when even perceived stigma may cause the sufferer to try and hide their condition.

However, I feel that over recent months something very special has started to develop here at the CCG, and I wanted to be able to share our experience with you.

Towards the end of 2016, Richard invited his colleagues to a lunchtime talk about a form of mild, but chronic form of depression called dysthymia. Richard was willing not only to reveal that he suffers from dysthymia, but to discuss the various aspects of how it actually feels to have a mental health condition; and also to answer any questions from those who work alongside him—some of whom had no idea of his situation.

I know it was a difficult thing for Richard to do, but as he said at the time, there is no shame in mental illness and any embarrassment he felt from telling his story was outweighed by the positive impact it might have on his colleagues.

In fact, the “impact” was that two people felt able to talk publicly for the first time about their own circumstances and experiences. It must have been such a huge step for them, but one they felt able to take in such supportive surroundings–what a wonderful and positive outcome.

In addition, Sarah Stringer, CCG Finance and Governance Officer, has become heavily involved as a run leader with a group called Neon Nights. Sarah ran in excess of 1,000 miles last year and she has done a fantastic job in encouraging a number of her colleagues to start running and enjoy the benefits of exercise.

Sarah has even found the time to be a driving force behind the club’s participation in #runandtalk—a campaign to get people talking about mental health, and support those experiencing mental health problems to be physically active through taking up running.

Being able to have these open conversations and having the opportunity to take part in group activities has not only increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues, it has definitely brought us closer together as a group…as a team.

We will, of course, continue to support official Time to Change events but the very real “change” I have seen in my time here is quietly, but undeniably, becoming part of our everyday working lives and a strong foundation to our ongoing commitment to raise mental health awareness. You can also read about Richard Kirby and his challenges on his own blog: www.richardkirby.org

Baptism of fire - a warm welcome

Welcome to my new blog! I thought this was the best way to share with you some of my experiences to date, as well as those yet to come! So please do register for updates and I’ll try to blog as often as possible (and when I get the hang of it!).

I have been the Chief Officer for Hambleton Richmondshire and Whitby CCG for four months now; and what a four months it has been….

It’s fair to say it was a slight ‘baptism of fire’ when invited to speak at the Fit 4 the Future Clinical Summit event held in November before even officially in post, but it gave me a real insight into the exceptional talent of the wider clinical profession we have in our area. Not only that, it was a chance to get a sense first-hand of the real challenges faced by clinicians such as the rurality of our patch and the demographic of our population.

So a little about me; before becoming Chief Officer of the CCG, I was Director of NHS Partnership Commissioning, leading a unit commissioning a range of services including mental health, vulnerable people, children and continuing care. I have also previously held a number of executive posts in North Yorkshire including Director of Nursing, Director at NHS Harrogate and District Foundation Trust and as Managing Director of Community and Mental health Services in North Yorkshire.

More recently, I spoke at our Patient Congress event in February where I challenged the group to really think about their health – from stopping smoking to swapping cakes and biscuits for fruit. But as a CCG, we must lead by example! So I have tasked our staff to think differently too and offer healthier options where possible.

Making healthy choices really is a passion of mine and I’m hoping to develop a self-care theme across all our work which ultimately lead to better outcomes for our health and potentially, reduce the use of certain NHS services.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Vicky Pleydell. Vicky was the CCG’s Clinical Chief Officer from the very beginning and achieved so much in her time. She created a truly passionate and successful organisation and I really hope to continue this work. There is such a great team at the CCG who truly value our patients and the input of stakeholders.

There is no doubt that the next few years are going to be challenging for the CCG and the NHS in general – but I’m determined our population will continue to receive the best care possible. I shall personally do my utmost to achieve this.

Signing off for now but look out for my next post! Remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Introducing my new blog

Hello

My name is Janet Probert. I am the Chief Officer for NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG - this is my new blog!