With a passion for people, a commitment to the NHS and a strong belief in staff feeling supported and having a sense of purpose, new ESNEFT Director Kate Read has hit the ground running since her arrival in January.
Kate, the Trust’s new Director of People and Organisational Development, says she’s been made to feel very much at home at ESNEFT and has been overwhelmed by the support and kindness of everyone she has met.
Kate said she’s very aware of the huge challenges the workforce is currently facing and is particularly keen to focus on how she supports, engages and encourages staff.
She is committed to ensuring the wellbeing agenda is at the forefront of the recovery plans and is looking forward to reviewing the feedback from the current staff ‘Pulse’ survey to help shape plans over the coming months.
Kate Read working at her ESNEFT desk
Kate says: “Over the coming months we know wellbeing support will be a vital part of our personal recovery.”
There are now mental health first aiders working across the organisation, visiting wards and staff areas. Kate explains: “These volunteer staff members will provide a listening ear, offer supportive conversations and are able to signpost to onward support as needed.”
Virtual wellbeing sessions are also available through the intranet on topics including sleep, mindfulness, finances, diet and exercise.
“My number one priority is to make sure, as an organisation, we look after and support all staff in their roles, so everyone can, in turn, contribute to the delivery of the best possible care for our patients.”
Kate lives in Suffolk with her husband and two sons. When not cheering from the side-lines of various sporting activities, Kate spends her days off running, playing the piano and has recently started learning to dinghy sail.
“I run, walk and try to get outside into the countryside at the weekend – it’s really important for me and my wellbeing.” said Kate. In 2019 Kate also ran the London Marathon for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of her brother who died from Neuroblastoma.
Kate Read running the London Marathon in 2019
As well as staff mental health, Kate is focused on the NHS People Plan which highlights the importance of ensuring staff feel safe in their work and helping everyone to feel included and supported.
She added: “I want to focus on supporting our resourcing plans, ensuring we have the right staff with the right skills at the right time, in the right place, this will include strengthening our education and training offer and improving the lived experience of our staff through; enhancing our inclusion agenda, increasing team and leadership development opportunities and ensuring all staff have access to the provision of a comprehensive well-being offer.
“I am ambitious about ESNEFT becoming an even better place to work but I can’t achieve that by myself. I hope that everyone thinks about the impact they have on their colleagues and teams. We all have our part to play, so we shouldn’t underestimate our individual value and the difference we make to the lives of patients and staff.
“I’ve always been impressed by the dedication, compassion and commitment of the staff at ESNEFT,” says Kate. “Now I can say, with both a sense of pride and humility, that I’m privileged to be working here, playing my part in shaping the organisation going forward.”
The wellbeing sessions Kate mentions are being advertised on the intranet, or for more information email wellbeing@esneft.nhs.uk
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