Director of Modernisation arrives at West Suffolk Hospital

August 5th, 2002

The West Suffolk Hospital gained a new Director of Modernisation as Jane Harper-Smith joined the Trust today (5/8/02).

Jane s professional background is in nursing, where she specialised in cardiac intensive care. She moved into healthcare management six years ago, and most recently was Elective Care Manager at Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull NHS Trust.

The post of Director of Modernisation has been established to improve the Trust’s clinical performance by identifying and encouraging positive changes in practice. Staff involvement is vital for this process to work, and Jane will encourage staff from every discipline to bring forward their ideas for changes that will enhance the patient experience.

 "I am very excited to be here at the West Suffolk Hospital, and am pleased to be taking on the challenges of my new role," said Jane. "There are many opportunities for the Trust to work in partnership with Suffolk West Primary Care Trust and the local authority to develop the level of healthcare we provide. I want to focus on partnership working to improve both access to and quality of our services, emergency and elective."

"The NHS is currently undergoing a period of significant change," said John Parkes, West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive. "It is important that we have a capable person in place to drive forward this process, and ensure that everyone involved is working towards the same goal. I am sure that Jane Harper-Smith has the right skills and background to accomplish this."