July Trust Board reflections: A message from our Chair and CEO
At our July Trust Board meeting we discussed a wide range of issues affecting our patients, staff and communities. While the Board considers detailed reports throughout the meeting, we wanted to share some of the key discussions, decisions and themes that stood out.
Listening to patients
We always begin our Board meetings by hearing directly from patients, carers or families. It is often the most powerful part of the day because it reminds us why we are here and shapes the conversations that follow.
In July we heard from a young person who shared their experience of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) through our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Her story was incredibly moving. She spoke about living with autism, trauma and severe emotional distress, and how DBT gave her the confidence, coping strategies and resilience to build what she described as "a life worth living". She has now completed her A Levels, has a weekend job coaching football and hopes to study medicine at university.
But what stayed with the Board just as strongly was what happened before Isabel reached the service. She described feeling she wasn't "ill enough" to receive support and how, over time, she came to believe that the only way people would listen was if she became more unwell. It was a powerful reminder that timely access to care, compassionate conversations and clear communication matter just as much as the treatment itself.
Continuing to improve quality
Quality remains at the heart of every Board meeting. We received an update following the recent Care Quality Commission inspection of our acute wards. Early feedback highlighted respectful, dignified care, strong multidisciplinary working and committed staff. Opportunities for improvement included learning from incidents, risk management, documentation and consistent professional practice.
We also reflected on the additional pressures the recent heatwave has placed on mental health services. Around 70% of people attending A&E for mental health support are not known to our services. As demand rises during periods of extreme heat, we discussed the importance of planning for summer pressures with the same focus and discipline as winter. We also thanked our staff for their continued compassion and commitment.
The Board also reviewed progress on reducing violence and aggression across our services, alongside our latest Quality and Performance Report. Continued improvements in patient flow, access and quality of care have strengthened our position within the NHS Oversight Framework. While there is always more to do, it is encouraging to see the sustained progress colleagues are making across the Trust.
Investing in our people
Our People Committee reflected on how we continue to develop compassionate and inclusive leaders. In particular, we discussed the importance of creating opportunities for colleagues from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to progress into leadership roles.
The Board also considered proposed changes to apprenticeship funding. While intended to improve efficiency, there is a risk these changes could unintentionally reduce opportunities to develop future NHS leaders, particularly those who have traditionally faced barriers to progression. We will continue to champion investment in our people.
Delivering sustainable services
The Board reviewed the Trust's financial position during the first two months of the new financial year. Despite significant pressures across the NHS, we remain on track to deliver our financial plan while maintaining our focus on high-quality care.
Quality and financial sustainability go hand in hand. By reducing delays, improving patient flow and ensuring people receive the right care at the right time, we improve outcomes while making the best use of public resources.
Modernising our services
The Board received updates on our Better Environments Programme, including continued progress at Tolworth Hospital, Barnes Hospital and our newly opened facilities at Richmond Royal Hospital. These investments are creating modern, therapeutic environments for patients, carers and staff.
Looking ahead
One message ran through every discussion: improving mental health care is a shared endeavour. It relies on listening to patients, supporting our staff, working closely with partners across health, local government and the voluntary sector, and continually learning and improving.
Thank you to everyone – patients, carers, colleagues and partners – who contributes to this work every day. Together, we are making life better for the people and communities we serve.
Ann Beasley
Chair
Vanessa Ford MBE
Chief Executive
