PICS is proud to announce that two of our colleagues, Alison Sutherland and Hazel Firmin, have joined the Nottinghamshire Nursing and Midwifery Cabinet, an influential group of expert clinicians who help deliver the Nottinghamshire-wide clinical and workforce strategy.
The cabinet is part of the Integrated Care System (ICS), which brings together commissioners, councils, trusts and providers to improve health and wellbeing of the people of the Nottinghamshire region across health and social care.
As highly accomplished members of the nursing profession, with decades of experience of working in healthcare, they will play a leading role in engaging, empowering and inspiring frontline nurses. A key project for the group is the advancement of opportunity within ethnic minority groups and developing a more inclusive culture in practice, working with the newly established ICS Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME) nursing and midwifery network. They are also supporting the work of Skin Integrity Steering Group, which helps improve care for those with frail or damaged skin, and developing the late career retention scheme; an ICS project that has been developed to look at ways of retaining experienced staff.
Sue Haines
Sue Haines, Chair of the Nottinghamshire Nursing and Midwifery Cabinet, added that, “We are delighted to welcome Alison and Hazel as members of the Nursing and Midwifery Cabinet. The Cabinet provides a proactive professional forum for lead nurses and midwives from across the whole integrated care system, sharing best practices and learning together. Within the current climate of national nursing and midwifery shortages and a global pandemic, it is crucial that we actively work together to raise the profile of our professions, attracting new recruits and valuing, supporting and retaining our skilled staff in order to deliver Nottinghamshire’s long-term health and social strategy for our local population.”
Kelvin Lim, PICS Clinical Director, said, “This is a fantastic recognition of the expertise of our colleagues by their peers, and we are proud to support Alison and Hazel as they are called upon to play a strategic part in the success of Nottingham`s health and social care strategy. PICS is home to many experienced specialists in clinical, technical and administrative roles, and we value the time and energy our colleagues devote to working in partnership within our health and social care communities, applying their knowledge to help influence the wider health agenda.”
Alison Sutherland
Alison Sutherland biography: Alison’s career has spanned over 30 years and led to her specialising as a Respiratory Nurse, before moving into a leadership role as Clinical Services Lead. In this role, she participates in the PICS Clinical Governance Committee which assures patient safety, and she oversees the Community Services of PICS, including Acute Home Visiting, Clinical Care Co, Respiratory, Heart failure, Diabetes, Palliative Care and the new Enhanced Health in Care Homes Primary Care Network team.
Hazel Firmin
Hazel Firmin biography: Hazel holds the position as Lead Nurse for Primary Care Nurses and Health Care Assistants within PICS, a role which focuses on supporting and developing our nursing teams in General Practice. She is a member of the PICS Clinical Governance Committee, which assures patient safety, and the Mid-Notts Education forum, who coordinate Protected Learning Time events in Mid-Nottinghamshire. Hazel has recently taken up roles as the lead nurse for both Newark and North Mansfield Primary Care Networks. She lives on a smallholding near Grantham with her husband and son.