NOW THE TRUTH ABOUT HOSPITAL BOARD MEMBERS

OK, now I’m cross. I was shown a Facebook entry the other day commenting on the Trust Board at Worcestershire Acute. It said starkly, “Board's handling of the review process can best be described using the following: Inept, Incompetent, Inadequate, Insolvent. Time the board was gone.”
Hmmm….how best to respond? I could fire off a list of other words to describe this misjudged comment. but that wouldn’t get us anywhere would it and it might not get into print?
I could compose a list of antonyms which would nullify the negatives but that would look defensive.
I could tell of all the successes of Worcestershire Acute Trust in what is a difficult time in the NHS nationally, but they are a matter of public record and wouldn’t convince this person.
I could, in psychobabble terms, suggest that this comment is obviously fueled by the inner angst of an angry person letting off steam and “kicking the nearest cat”.
And all of these would miss the mark! Why? Because they dehumanize the people involved. So let me tell you about this Board which has been depicted in dark terms. So instead, let me tell you some stories.
There is Chairman Harry, equally at home chairing high-level meeting as he is (in this week’s Worcester News) enjoying the company of Chaplains who were shaving their Moustaches off to mark the end of Movember or meeting Volunteers.
There’s Penny, the Chief Executive, steering the ship through difficult waters and over tricky reefs, but who can also be found going back to the floor making beds as she experiences the life of nurses. Who is never too busy for staff to approach her, listening to new ideas.
There’s Bev, Director of Human Resources, buzzing with ideas of how to liaise with staff, create new cultures and increase morale. A creative ball of energy.
There’s Stephen, a high powered Finance Director who is a Non-Executive Director. Sending jokes to me (not rude ones) via email and supporting the work of the Trust with his vast experience and expertise.
I could list them all.

The Board is made up of people. Human beings with kids and lives and experiences- and they don’t get into their positions by accident. They are doing what they do, in line with their integrity and the constraints upon them, to improve the care of us all. To make a difference.

So to our friend who wrote those words I say this. I value free speech; in fact I champion it. But maybe seeing behind the entity of the “Board”, and introducing you to the real people doing their best, might help your angst.

And OK, since you’re asking, (I can’t resist it) here would be my words: expert, professional, passionate, caring, engaging and visionary.
But then my Mom always used the quote from Disney’s Bambi and tell me: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!”

Celebrating the Good News Stories from Worcestershire Hospitals at www.revdavidsouthall.com or follow on Twitter @revdavesouthall

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