Natasha's caring and compassionate leadership praised by colleagues as she receives CEO Award
A senior leader in UHDB's Midwifery Team has been praised by her colleagues for the impact her compassionate leadership approach has had on their teams in such a short space of time.
Interim Head of Midwifery, Natasha Stringer, joined UHDB in April 2022, with colleagues sharing the positive impact her leadership has had on the department, as well as the improvements she has helped to implement in the experience and care received by UHDB patients over the last nine months.
The effects of Natasha's compassionate, caring and collaborative leadership, have been highlighted by Chief Executive, Stephen Posey, who chose Natasha as the recipient of his latest CEO Monthly Making a Difference Award.
An emotional Natasha received her award during a surprise presentation in front of many of her close colleagues, who joined Stephen Posey in praising the fantastic work she has done since she joined the Trust.
Speaking at the presentation, Natasha said: "I was really shocked and surprised to see so many familiar faces. It's a challenging and busy time for everyone at the Trust, so it was really nice to get this acknowledgement. Part of being a leader is acknowledging the role of the teams around you and I do work with so many great people and it's a real team effort, so I feel very humbled to receive this award.
"As a woman of colour, it's really important to me to be able to hold and be successful in this leadership role and to lead the way for others as you can't be what you can't see. To be valued in this way for my role as a leader is amazing and I am sure that other Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) colleagues will emulate this in the future."
Natasha also spoke glowingly of the welcome and support she has received from colleagues since she joined the Trust last year, and praised their hard work during this time:
"I've not been with the organisation for long, but it was the best decision I could have made; to come here to work with you all. Nobody can do anything in isolation so the things we progress and do is because we're a wonderful team. Lots to do but confident we can all get together to make further progress."
CEO Stephen Posey added: "Although Natasha only joined UHDB in April 2022, it is clear to see the positive impact that her compassionate leadership has had on those around her in such a short space of time. 
"I have been so impressed with Natasha's commitment and dedication to make improvements to the working lives of her colleagues and to the experience of patients accessing our maternity services. The difference she has made in such a short space of time has been amazing to see, and I know Natasha's work has, and will continue to have, a positive impact on the care we provide our patients.
"Natasha epitomises our values of Compassions, Openness and Excellence in everything she does and I am delighted to recognise her work by presenting her with my latest CEO Award. Well done and thank you for everything you do."
Nominate a colleague for a Monthly Making a Difference Award
If you would like to nominate a colleague or team for a Monthly Making a Difference Award, please let us know.
There are four monthly Making a Difference Awards categories:
- Chief Executive Award – chosen by our CEO
- Patient Hero Award – nominated by patients
- Team UHDB Award – you can nominate your team or another team
- Excellent Employee Award – you can nominate your colleagues
You can send a 300 word nomination, along with the name of the team or individual, their job title and where they work, to: uhdb.employeeawards@nhs.net.