Supporting our clinical leaders to champion change

FOR our inaugural Clinical Director, Dr Joanna Johnson, the APC equips clinicians with an unprecedented opportunity to co-create and co-produce solutions that deliver better outcomes for patients.

Joanna has just completed her first six months in the post, which she combines with her role as Clinical Director of the Dental Directorate at Guy’s and St Thomas’ – and said clinical leadership was core to the APC’s future success.

She said: “We are breaking new ground in the way we are drawing upon the home-grown skills of our clinicians to frame solutions and drive delivery across an expanding range of work programmes.

“All 11 of our current networks are clinically-led, with dedicated clinical time, and have a shared purpose. This approach provides vision, establishes clarity, and sets the right tone for collaboration to flourish and achieve the clinically-driven change required.

“As well as bringing the clinical voice together so we are aligned with the same view, we work closely together with the Trusts’ operational leads and have the added benefit of dedicated programme support. These are all strengths that are fast-tracking the way some very inventive and ambitious plans are turning into reality.”

She added: “We know our clinical leaders are keen to develop their system skills – these are tough roles – and the APC is supporting these ambitions by investing in clinicians’ personal development.

“This includes a six-month leadership programme led by The Whitehall and Industry Group, a charity which helps participants access new skills and critical insights so they can think differently and lead effectively.

“This is already proving valuable in enabling us all to come together, share best practice, problem-solve, and innovate in a trusted space.”