Today we’re catching up with Julie A’Lee who has been with DHU Healthcare since 2021 and is now serving as Clinical Services Lead within our Primary Care service.
With a dynamic role that combines clinical expertise and administrative leadership, Julie manages three GP surgeries: Bowling Green Street, Heron (also known as Merlyn Vaz and St. Matthews), and Thurmaston. Together, they serve a diverse patient base of over 24,000 people, each with unique healthcare needs.
“My role involves overseeing clinicians, from GPs to advanced practitioners, clinical pharmacists, HCAs, and nurses, ensuring our services meet the contractual agreements set by the ICB LLR,” Julie explains. “I also focus on reducing healthcare inequalities, especially in areas with cultural or ethnic challenges that can affect outcomes, like cervical smears or childhood immunisations.”
Julie joined DHU during her Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) master’s course, having already accumulated 11 years of experience in primary care. Promoted to Clinical Services Lead in 2022, her first major challenge was tackling a CQC inspection. “I hit the ground running,” she recalls. “It was a challenge, but we got through it with teamwork.”
Passionate about professional development, Julie has implemented a robust training program to upskill her team. “I’ve sent two nurses on primary care courses and developed others into assistant practitioners. Watching people grow, like Casey, who’s now on a student nurse course, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”
Despite the demands, Julie maintains patient contact through clinics for diabetes, asthma, and elderly care. “Patients are the essence of why we do what we do,” she says. “Seeing the whole picture of a patient and building their trust is the most fulfilling part of my job.”
Julie reflects on the challenges facing primary care: “The volume of work pushed from secondary care to primary care is staggering. It’s overwhelming at times, but we tackle it as a team.” She adds, “Every day is a school day. There’s always more to learn, and I’m grateful to work with such a supportive group of people.”
Julie’s leadership, dedication, and overall approach embody DHU Healthcare’s commitment to patient-centred care. As she puts it, “At the end of the day, it’s about delivering the best service possible, and that’s what drives me.”