This week we talk to Stacey Howard who is Operational Performance Manager for DHU 111.
Stacey has worked for the organization for seven years, joining us as a Health Advisor before progressing to Team Manager. A great example of how you can progress through the ranks in our 111 advice centres, Stacey is now part of our Senior Management Team.
Stacey said: “I provide specific site based operational and performance management of the NHS 111 Services across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Baines, Swindon and Wilshire. I lead at Orbis in Derby, but I also help look after the advice centres at Fosse House in Leicester and Chippenham.
“I support our Senior Operational Performance Managers in the management of a coherent, dynamic, motivated, well trained and skilled team. They are responsible for driving forward and working to contractual and regulatory performance and quality standards designed to ensure our teams provide the best possible health advice for patients that call our service. I also provide direct line management to any OSL (operational shift leads) NCPM (non-clinical performance managers) and SHA (senior health advisors) that are based in our Orbis building.
“A typical day for me will usually involves attending performance review meetings and meeting with other health system leads representing DHU 111. I review staffing and make sure we have right resources and staffing mix to meet our daily, weekly and monthly targets and make sure we provide the best possible patient experience. I will also meet with my peers and carry out 1-2-1’s with the management team.’’
‘’My proudest moment to date would have to be when I was promoted into the senior management team. This role is so rewarding and I enjoy being a role model to our staff, someone that they can come to for their own development and wellbeing, someone to encourage them.
‘’For anyone thinking of joining, just starting out here or thinking of developing their career, my advice would be don’t be afraid to ask questions. No question is silly if you are asking because you don’t know the answer. Don’t be intimidated by who is around you and the skills or experience they may have, use their experience to better your understanding and knowledge. You won’t ever achieve this if you shy away from asking about the things you don’t know or understand.’’
Stacey is something of a local celebrity within the Derbyshire health system, adding, ‘’Not many people know this, but I was the first child to be operated on when the Derby Children’s Hospital opened. I had a procedure done for my lazy eye; in fact you can still see it when I’m tired. I suppose you could say I was destined to work within the health system!”
Thanks to Stacey for telling us about her role and keep your eyes peeled for DHU’s next #WhatDoYouDo.
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