Celebrating BWC Spirit
We are highlighting the amazing things our colleagues have done and achieved during the pandemic.
Our teams have bravely stood by the side of our patients, changed how they have worked to keep key and emergency services running and gone beyond the Trust to help colleagues in other parts of the NHS.
They have done so with an approach and spirit that is uniquely BWC and we want to celebrate that and what has been achieved.
From frontline clinical colleagues to our unseen and often unsung heroes in labs, offices and in our corridors - everyone has had a part to play and we’re sharing some of their stories over the next two weeks.
If you would like to thank individuals or teams either by sharing some kind words, pictures or a short video we would love to see them. You can submit your messages, pictures or videos by emailing bwc.communications@nhs.net
Clinical Genetics
By Paul Caldwell, General Manager, Clinical Genetics
What was the hardest part?
As a service that has worked traditionally very close to each other, same corridors, same offices and same meeting rooms – the pandemic through a spanner into this close-knit team. It meant that almost all of the clinical teams worked virtually, all around the country. The admin team, less so. They became the only physical presence on-site on many days during what was a very unsettling time.
The team also had a brand-spanking new clinical leadership team. They literally had two weeks “in office” and had to demonstrate all the leadership attributes required in such unprecedented times – whilst learning their new roles!
Oh – and we also moved out of Norton Court.
For the first 6-8 months we had many staff members who had moved from Norton Court to Lavender House without ever stepping into Lavender House. New members of staff had team members they had only ever met virtually and we had staff training being delivered in new and innovative ways.
How did you cope?
Superb leadership by the new clinical leads and the operational manager (who was also brand new to post three months after the first lockdown).
Lots of communication, a lot of focus on reassurance and it’s OK not to be OK. We had excellent sharing of ideas, and concerns and feeding back to staff groups at every opportunity.
What did you learn?
That the team’s commitment to delivering the best possible care, whilst caring for each other was stronger than the pandemic J
How do you think it changed the team?
We have definitely learnt that there are new ways to deliver care to our patients and we can step away from traditional methods of engagement – although there are many times when human contact is essential.
Beyond your team, who has inspired you during the pandemic?
Dr Jim Gray….and his wider team.
The clarity of advice and guidance, the speed with which he provided tailored advice and the relaxed approach whilst in the eye of the storm – the guy deserves a medal!