Introducing our new Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in the North West

Hello, my name is Melissa Stanton and I am the Lead Nurse for the Independent Health and Social Care Sector North West England. As an RCN member and Registered Adult Nurse with over 20 years’ experience working within Health and Social Care, I chose to become a Nurse following in my late Grandmother's footsteps. I have always had a strong desire to build on best practice and drive change to improve outcomes for the people we care for.

Like many professionals, I started my career in the NHS. I knew little about the Independent Sector at that time as it wasn’t heavily promoted by the university or associated networks. After four years of working in the NHS, an Independent Sector employer approached me with an opportunity to enhance my existing skill set and develop as a healthcare leader. Gathering additional knowledge within Community Complex Care, Clinical Teaching, Domiciliary Care and Agency Nursing, I worked hard to become a National Complex Care Manager for a well-known Independent Sector employer.

Having moved from Birmingham to Manchester, I progressed my career within care homes. The first care home I managed had an embargo with regulatory conditions for operation. The home had a lot of negative press and was about to close. Being the eternal optimist, I said I would make positive changes for the people living there and one day leave the home with a waiting list. I did just that and three years later had an additional skill set for crisis management in care homes. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed the wealth of opportunities with care home providers to create and embed positive change. As a very family focused environment, care homes will always have a special place in my heart, personally and professionally.

In August 2022 I started in post as an RCN Officer. It gave me additional skills in the management of employee relations and a greater understanding of both trade unions and professional bodies. When I heard about the Lead Nurse post being advertised, I was very excited as I felt my skills and experience would be a perfect fit for the role and true representation of the sector. Securing the role in December 2022, one of my key priorities is to initially meet with the newly formed Integrated Care Boards and understand each region's key objectives and timescales for delivery. The Health and Care Act 2022 enabled a collaborative approach for organisations such as the NHS, Local Government, and wider system partners like the Independent Sector employers to work together. I was delighted when the Integrated Care Boards were formed creating Integrated Care Partnerships thus amplifying the voice of the Independent Sector. Working with the Integrated Care Partners will make positive change for our members' experience.

I believe these are very exciting times and look forward to the challenge of helping members to have a voice and becoming change agents for the greater good of the people they support.

I welcome comments from members wishing to create change in the sector.

Please contact me on melissa.stanton@rcn.org.uk for more information on IHSC in your region.

Are you a member working in IHSC? Join me and follow our new North West IHSC Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/5479943658801552/