As the NHS celebrates its 75th anniversary, I am reflecting on my own career in medicine (which spans 40 years) and my time as vice president for Wales. This is my final blog in post – I step down at the end of this month – and it is a bittersweet opportunity to consider what’s changed.
I’ve seen huge advances in clinical medicine. We’ve moved from ‘bed-based care’ (yes – back in the 1980s, 2 weeks of bedrest was the common treatment for strokes and heart attacks) to embracing the ‘golden hour’ of intervention. So far, I’ve lived and worked through two major world pandemics – HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 – and have been thinking about the lessons learned, and those still to be heeded, reminded as I am that stigma arises from fear and ignorance.
I’m also struck by how wedded we are to the status quo. How should we rethink the way we deliver services and train doctors of the future? The RCP knows we need to change and adapt to new ways of working in the Welsh NHS and we want your ideas to influence how we do that: earlier this year we published Driving change together, which argues for a clinically led NHS Wales Executive run in partnership with patients and the third sector. We’re now working with health boards and the Welsh government to develop some good practice guidance for strategic clinical networks.
I’m not the only one asking these questions. The Bevan Commission is hosting a conference next month to celebrate NHS75 during which they’ll ask, ‘where next for health and care?’ My own solutions would include ensuring a robust workforce by training, recruiting and retaining doctors, embedding compassionate leadership across the system and tackling social determinants of health and health inequalities. I know it’s a big ask, but leadership needs a vision – it drives everything.
Speaking of NHS75, we’re joining with other royal colleges and professional bodies in Wales to launch a new piece of work on supporting health and care staff at a drop-in event with politicians in the Senedd. Look out for us in the news (hopefully) on 4 July!
The sharp-eyed among you will notice that the pandemic collided almost exactly with my tenure as vice president and forced the RCP team in Wales to engage in a radically different way with our members. I’m a very sociable person, so moving to virtual communications was a major leap of faith for me, but I soon realised that online meetings brought people together efficiently and effectively at a time when we all felt very vulnerable. Despite my initial doubts, I embraced the change, realising that it was especially essential to connect with our doctors-in-training who needed support and guidance. If the purpose of leadership is to empower others and ensure their success, then I hope my support during the pandemic had some impact. Saying that, nothing beats a face-to-face meeting for the networking, social interaction and the odd cwtsh.
Which leads me nicely onto a few words about our recent presidential visit to the Grange University Hospital in south-east Wales. In her first ever visit to Wales, Dr Sarah Clarke joined Dr Hilary Williams, Dr Vivek Goel and the local team to meet with trainees, specialty doctors, physician associates and consultant physicians in Cwmbran. A huge thank you to the organising team – especially Dr Khalid Ali, college tutor, and Dr Sacha Moore, associate college tutor – for all their hard work in bringing the day together.
Some of you may remember that during a 2021 visit led by Sir Bod Goddard, we heard a variety of sometimes upsetting concerns from local clinicians. Since then, the RCP team in Wales has worked closely with the health board and while I wasn’t able to attend the visit due to unforeseen circumstances, I was delighted to hear that trainees said they feel much safer and happier working there now, telling us that: ‘at a time where we were struggling to be heard, the RCP listened and supported us. And we are (and always will be) very grateful for that.’ I am proud that the college was able to speak out on behalf of our fellows and members on that occasion, and in many other situations during the past 3 years. We are a membership body after all, here to advocate on your behalf, while educating, improving and influencing for better patient care.
While I could list the challenges and successes of the past 3 and a half years, I would prefer to tell you about what I’ve learned about myself and about leadership. I have learned to be humble, brave and courageous; I am true to my values; I aim to be compassionate and present my authentic self (okay, not everyone likes me, but I’m not in the role to be liked!). I am mischievous under pressure! Investing in myself through coaching keeps me grounded, as does having a mentor and seeking out wise counsel. Being curious, having an open mind and continuing to learn has been essential. No one said being a leader was a simple task, but leadership is collective, and without a team that shares your vision, you will not achieve your goals.
The RCP Cymru Wales executive committee team has been amazing. My thanks go to Mick, Vivek, Hilary, Sam and Ben in their roles as regional advisers – they have expanded our reach by holding regular regional team meetings with college tutors, hosting our Cyswllt RCP Connect meetings with fellows and members, and facilitating RCP presidential and vice president visits to local hospitals.
I’ve had phenomenal support from the RCP Cymru Wales team – Lowri is a force of nature and a joy to work with. Her commitment to ensuring patients are at the centre of everything we do is so evident in all the publications and reports we produce. Diolch o galon.
Jacqui’s events and organisational skills are phenomenal; despite lockdown, our annual Updates in medicine and poster competitions ran smoothly, and when restrictions finally lifted, she planned a not-to-be-forgotten Wales fellows and membership ceremony and in-person conference. So much work happens behind the scenes, and I raise a glass to you, Jacqui.
There are so many people to whom I would like to express my gratitude, but mainly I want to thank you as fellows and members for being part of the RCP family. Would I do the role again? Yes, without hesitation – but it’s now Hilary’s turn to lead RCP Cymru Wales and I have complete confidence that she will be amazing.
Finally, I hope you’ve enjoyed my monthly blogs. The swallows have arrived in St Asaph, the vegetable and flower gardens are looking spectacular, my flock of Balwen sheep have been sheared, and I’m seeking a ram and a caravan in advance of next year’s lambing season!
For the last time, stay safe, look after yourselves and colleagues, and take care out there.
Dr Olwen Williams OBE
RCP vice president for Wales
Consultant in sexual health and HIV medicine