The impact of an Interim Chief Nurse on patient care continuity
Our client was a national healthcare provider who delivered specialist complex care to patients from the NHS and Private Healthcare Providers (HCPs). As they went through a transformation period, they required stabilisation and strong leadership guidance through a large scale change programme.
Increased staffing costs, illnesses due to COVID-19 and pressures on finances have created instability in critical services for patients. With income from delivering services being delayed and grants being in short supply, the organisation was in a difficult position with drastic decisions to be made by a solid senior management team.
The client, who Boyden has worked with extensively, reached out, requiring urgent assistance in sourcing an experienced Interim Chief Nurse, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, with extensive health and third-sector experience to provide stability to the team. The senior interim manager was asked to provide overall accountability to the nursing and AHP workforce through Covid-19 where service redesigns to patient care were needed. The requirement also needed someone who could liaise closely with commissioners, the NHS and private hospital providers to ensure timely handovers, reducing delays to critically vulnerable patients.
The Interim Chief Nurse provided robust and compassionate leadership during significant change. As finances were a driving force for improving clinical pathways, specific attention was needed to ensure continuity of patient care. After ensuring the team were upskilled and mentored, a permanent appointment was made after a hugely successful interim period.
