The main aim of my role is improving patient outcomes by ensuring they receive the right health and/or social care services in the right place at the right time. I interact with different stakeholders – including CEOs, directors, clinicians and patients – to manage projects, write strategies, policies and procedures, develop models of care and manage budgets.
My organisation recently went through a restructure, merging three clinical commissioning groups. I am currently doing a mapping exercise for a particular service to understand what type and quality of service is provided in each of the boroughs. The intention is to identify gaps in services, develop core principles to be aligned across all three boroughs, and develop models of care to be delivered locally.
I am also identifying both poor and best practice. This will ensure that lessons learned are transferred to future commissioned services.
My main challenge is the uncertainty around the new integrated care system structure
My main challenge is the uncertainty around the implementation of the new integrated care system structure from April next year. NHS workers go through restructuring frequently, but this feels different, as it involves both internal reorganisation and the expectation of closer working with partner organisations, such as acute hospitals and local authorities, which each have their own way of doing things.
My greatest professional achievement has been in my current role. As a commissioner in the NHS, I am expected to improve the quality of care in the most efficient way possible, while delivering the best outcomes for the patient – at a time of significant financial pressure. I was asked to make savings by reducing the number of patients admitted into hospital for alcohol-related conditions. I set up a project group, which agreed a referral process for patients admitted so that third-sector organisations can develop programmes of care for each patient. This reduced admissions, saved £300,000 in the first year and £200,000 in the second year, and improved the quality of care for patients.
My advice to a young accountant starting out is to try to be an all-round accountant, rather than specialising in one discipline. There is so much to explore within the NHS and, as an ACCA-qualified accountant, you will have a good foundation on which to build your career. The ACCA qualification enabled me to get to where I am today. Many of the modules, such as business strategy, are relevant to my current role.
I am very busy outside working hours, as I am a member of four organisations: chair of one, treasurer of another, secretary of another and also a chorister. I also sometimes help family and friends to do their tax returns. I have very little time to myself, but I enjoy keeping myself busy and supporting my community.
