Royal Berkshire Hospital Trust

THE stroke department at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust recently welcomed seven healthcare professionals from Nigeria as part of a knowledge-sharing initiative aimed at improving stroke care in developing countries.

The visiting group, made up of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, spent four weeks with teams in the stroke unit, emergency department, radiology and physiotherapy to observe and exchange best practices.

Stroke care in Nigeria presents significant challenges with mortality rates being twice as high as in the UK.

This collaboration provided an opportunity to share the trust’s pioneering approach to stroke treatment and to explore ways to improve outcomes for patients.

Dr Kiruba Nagaratnam, clinical lead for stroke medicine, said: “It has been a great privilege to share how we care for our stroke patients here at the trust. The Frederick Foundation has played a vital role in facilitating and sponsoring this partnership, helping us to work towards better stroke care for communities in Nigeria.”

Janet Lippett, chief medical officer, said: “We are proud of our partnerships with local and global organisations. Sharing knowledge and expertise not only strengthens healthcare in our region but also contributes to improvements around the world.

“I am really proud of our stroke department which has been recognised as a centre of excellence for thrombolysis treatment and has been accredited as a university department of excellence from the University of Reading.”

Meanwhile, the foundation trust has appointed Paul da Gama as its new chief people officer. He will be taking up the role in January. He replaces Don Fairley, who retires in November after nine years at the trust and 38 years’ service with the NHS.

Mr da Gama comes to the trust from NHS Employers, where he led national activity focused on improving the working lives of resident doctors.

He previously held the role of group chief people officer at St George’s, Epsom, and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group. Prior to joining St George’s, he was chief people officer at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

His career also spans senior commercial roles including within HSBC banking group and an early career as a teacher in Japan and Poland.

Mr da Gama said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust which has a very strong reputation as a well-respected and well-led organisation. My ambition is to work with staff and the leadership team to take colleague engagement from ‘good’ to ‘great’.

“It’s clear from the trust’s outstanding staff survey results that all the building blocks are in place — with really well-established values and a proud culture of respecting and looking after its diverse teams.”

Steve McManus, chief executive of the trust, said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the team. Our people are our greatest asset and he has a fine track record when it comes to staff engagement, supporting people to become their best and fulfil their potential. This in turn makes sure we can deliver the best care to our patients.

“We place huge importance on giving our staff opportunities for learning and development as well as caring for their health and wellbeing and I have no doubt Paul will drive that work to the next level and build on the great work led by Don Fairley.”