Exhibition to share achievements of clinical fellowship scheme

NHSE’s Workforce, Training and Education (WT&E) Directorate in the North West recently held an event to share the achievements of the second cohort of its Clinical Fellowship programme. 

The market place style exhibition was aimed at internal and external stakeholders and held on 25 July 2023. It was opened by Andrea Boland, WT&E Deputy Regional Director, Regional Head of Nursing and Senior Responsible Officer for the Clinical Fellowship programme. 

The programme started in 2021 to give system level exposure to clinical leaders of the future and contribute to the long-term workforce plan by improving the leadership culture of the NHS. There were just three fellows in 2021/22 but in the year that followed this grew to nine. 

A range of varied and eye-catching posters were on display to showcase the work of all of the region’s nine clinical fellows who come from a broad range of professions. 

Deborah Preece, Operating Department Practitioner Fellow, said, “It has been an honour and a privilege to work for NHS England as a clinical fellow. It has been an amazing opportunity which has stretched and challenged me and will enable me to progress my career within the NHS. I have learnt skills, knowledge and techniques from all of the leaders and managers I have worked with over the course of my secondment.” 

Jean Hayles, Deputy Regional Head of Nursing and line manager to two of the fellows, said, “Having clinical fellows embedded with teams has been of real benefit to the organisation too, as they bring a different perspective and a fresh pair of eyes. Without them, we simply couldn’t have delivered our objectives.” 

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session to gain feedback about how to build on the successes to date and make improvements as plans are put in place for a third cohort of fellowships in 2024.