Acute Service Manager Review

I am a Service Manager in Mental Health Services in the National Health Service. I have operational responsibility for the management and oversite of acute services including inpatients and community. I lead a team of managers who support staff in the delivery of care. I also have budget responsibility, clinical management and provide expert knowledge and support to staff members.

So far, I've learnt a lot new skills. The first module really made me focus and develop on my leadership processes. I have been encourage to reflect and learn on my individual practice. I have also learnt new skills from other people who are on the course who work in different roles

My program is enjoyable and incredibly interesting. It's good to be challenges to develop my knowledge but also to understand the theory around leadership processes. At times the amount of information can be a lot to take on, but it's encouraging to use your own experiences and voice in the academic work

The course is well structured, however being online with no face to face because of Covid has been tough. The online webinars have been helpful to keep us connected as a group of learners. It's helpful to know that everyone is in the same boat but there's certainly a push for us to meet face to face as soon as.

My employer is very supportive, but what you put into it is what you get out. Working at the same time can be a challenge and it's difficult sometimes not to lose sight of it and let the work build up. It's helpful to ask for experiences and I think my main learning point is that I need to be the person going out and asking.

I receive as much support as I need and I'm aware that there's more support out there from the provider that I'm not accessing. The tutors on the course are fantastic, they're knowledge is enviable and it's very obvious that they're experts in their fields.

The qualification at the end is really relevant to my role. I think there's some question asked about a nurse and a manager in the NHS doing an MBA, but it's applicable to all elements of my day to day job. Developing my knowledge of other areas that I wouldn't previously have experience of is meaning that I am better able to work with non clinical colleagues and external agencies.

We're in the process of trying to look at this as an organisation. The pandemic has put a bit of a pause on things though. The NHS needs to engage more with it's staff members. There are some networks that are established as part of the equality and diversity process.

Yes

I would recommend the NHS as a great place to work to anyone. It's a unique service and there really isn't any other health service like it. It can incredibly stressful at times and the pay doesn't reflect the job. But you do get a sense of satisfaction from your role.

Consider what it is you want in your career and don't be afraid to consider new opportunities. Starting off clinically but then moving into a different role can be a great way to learn more about the NHS and how we provide care to patients. Ask questions and try to get new experiences outside of your normal role.