St Ann’s Hospice celebrates academic excellence as four staff members earn Master’s degrees
The course was co-designed and co-delivered by the hospice and the University of Salford
Chief Executive of St Ann's Hospice, Rachel McMillan; Charge Nurse, Suzanne Vale; Being You Centre Team Leader, Amanda Connors; Deputy Head of Clinical Services, Nicole Manley; Hospice @ Home Sister, Joanne Laidlaw; and Director of People, Culture and Support Services at St Ann’s Hospice, Gill Turnpenney outside St Ann's Hospice, Heald Green
Several St Ann’s Hospice staff members were thrilled when they received their Master’s results following three years of study.
Being You Centre Team Leader, Amanda Connors, Charge Nurse, Suzanne Vale, Hospice @ Home Sister, Joanne Laidlaw, and Deputy Head of Clinical Services, Nicole Manley have all been enrolled in the Leadership and Management – Clinical Leadership in Action course at the University of Salford.
The course was co-designed and co-delivered by the hospice and university. The hospice supported the students with the cost of tuition fees as well as study time.
According to Salford University, “this practice-related course will help you develop the knowledge, skills and qualities to be an effective healthcare leader. This leadership and management course is designed to give you the confidence to try new and creative approaches to the workplace, deal with complex leadership situations and provide effective patient and service outcomes.”
Deputy Head of Clinical Services, Nicole Manley said that St Ann’s gave her the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and she was excited about taking the chance to develop in her role as a leader.
I want to be able to nurture, support, and encourage other leaders and team members within the organisation to make sure we continue to deliver innovative, safe, inclusive care... Because when we are fulfilling our potential, we deliver outstanding care to our patients. Nicole Manley, Deputy Head of Clinical Services at St Ann's Hospice
Hospice @ Home Sister, Joanne Laidlaw said the program, and the dissertation have helped her to become more aware of herself “as a leader”.
“The dissertation was the final module of the program. The title of my dissertation was ‘Does the leadership style applied in the management of end-of-life care services impact patient choice?’. To complete my dissertation, all of my non-clinical time was dedicated to researching, compiling and finalising this complex piece of academic work. Requiring me to be dedicated and committed and I am delighted with my results,” Joanne said.
“I am utilising my acquired skills already within my clinical role and would encourage other colleagues to seek opportunities within the organisation to enable them to lead, learn and develop.”
Being You Centre Team Leader, Amanda Connors said they received “amazing support” from St Ann’s Hospice during their three years of study.
In equal measure, it has been a rewarding and challenging journey. The university alongside our Chief Executive, Rachel McMillan, and our Director of People, Culture and Support Services, Gill Turnpenney, have been invaluable in providing us with the guidance and support we needed to succeed. Amanda Connors, Being You Centre Team Leader
“The commitment of the hospice and the university has been instrumental in our success. We have all grown from strength to strength and are proud to be where we are today,” she added.
Charge Nurse, Suzanne Vale has said the course has really helped with her confidence as a leader.
“The three years, even though they were tough at times, taught me a lot about myself as a person. St Ann’s has been a great help, but it was a lot of work trying to balance my work life, family life, and my studies,” Suzanne said.
“Rachel and Gill were great, and they encouraged us throughout. When it got tough, it was nice to know that they were willing to speak to me and talk through my options, but it was great that they were able to encourage me to keep going. It was also lovely to have the other three ladies studying the same course, so I had people in the same boat”
“The course also made me realise that I’m cleverer than I thought, turns out I’m a bit of a geek,” she laughed.
Director of People, Culture and Support Services at St Ann’s Hospice, Gill Turnpenney was “beyond delighted” to hear all four completed their Masters studies.
“One of our four core values here at St Ann’s is to Lead and Learn. These four leaders, who were already a part of the very core of our organisation have embodied that value entirely.
Chief Executive, Rachel McMillan was “thrilled” to be able to help and support the students along their journey.
“Their newly learned skills will no doubt have an incredible impact here in the hospice to ensure we can provide outstanding, person-centered care to our patients. I am thrilled that St Ann’s was able to help and support them along their journey,” Rachel said.