NHS Employers Chief Executive visits patients and staff to hear their views
The Chief Executive of NHS Employers met with patients and staff at our Children’s Hospital to find out how they are shaping the future of healthcare.
Ben Morrin visited the site where he toured the hospital meeting poorly youngsters, their families and the workforce taking care of them. He was greeted by Matt Boazman, Chief Executive and Raffaela Goodby, Chief People Officer, from our Trust.
Ben shared: “I was genuinely touched by the quality of care I saw being given to patients and their families in some really tough circumstances.
“The quality of care with which patients are looked after runs through everything the staff do.” 
The visit coincided with the government’s announcement of two weeks' bereavement leave for those who have lost their baby.
In 2021, BWC was the first organisation in the NHS to offer a unique support package, including paid leave, to any staff member facing the heartbreak of losing their baby.
Ben added: “The NHS and the teams in Birmingham have led the way on support packages for staff who have sadly experienced baby loss and we have recently seen the government commit to two weeks' bereavement leave for those who are grieving.
"That type of action shows how the NHS can lead the way to inspire real improvements for the experience of staff and lead the way across the UK too."
During the visit Ben was shown specialist areas of the hospital including the Chapel, Paediactic Intensive Care Unit and the play facilities which help to make hospital stays more comfortable for patients.
He was then taken to the MediCinema, funded by our Children’s Hospital Charity, which opened earlier this year and screens the big movie hits especially for patients.
Ben joined senior leaders from across our Trust and met with staff to discuss how the NHS can continue to attract, support and develop the skilled and compassionate people needed to care for future generations.
Speaking of the visit, Raffaela added: “It was a valuable opportunity to talk openly about our future NHS workforce and how we continue to develop them into a caring, compassionate and dedicated healthcare professionals. The most important voices in that conversation were those of our patients and families.
“Their experiences and expectations help us to understand the skills, values and qualities NHS staff need.
“We are incredibly proud of our colleagues and the care they provide every day.”