The Trust’s Goodall division celebrates ‘Innovation in Action’ at staff conference

The Trust’s biggest division – Goodall – held its first face to face conference in four years, with over 260 staff exploring the theme ‘Innovation in Action’. We took the opportunity to showcase findings from service-led innovations that are making a big difference to our services.

“I’m really proud to have you as part of the Goodall team”

Vanessa Odlin, Goodall Division Managing Director, opened the event along with William Sakala Divisional Nursing Director, with a huge thank you to staff for all they’ve done over the last year.

Graeme Caul, Chief Operating Officer said:

“I’m excited to be here today as it feels a bit like coming home. I was Managing Director of Goodall before this so I’m proud to hear about the work that is happening. I see innovation all the time like the new crisis house in Hillingdon, triage wards and the Year of the Child programme. Step back today and congratulate yourselves.”

Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive sent a video thank you message saying:

“Today is about celebrating the amazing work that has gone on in the last year and will continue into the year ahead. It seems to me that you never stop innovating, inventing new approaches and sharing best practice.

“I also want to thank you for all the days, all of the interactions and all of the work you do that might not sometimes seem innovative. Standard good practice and your ability to come forward day after day and do the basics well across our many different patient groups, shows the NHS at its finest. I want to applaud you for that.”

Innovation in Action

The day included a number of presentations on quality improvement projects from children’s and adult’s community services, eating disorders, child and adolescent mental health, adult mental health and rehabilitation services.

Sally Crowther and Angie Ellis from our Children’s Services talked about infant feeding support and working towards the UNICEF baby friendly initiative in Hillingdon, which the Trust has already been awarded in Camden. It follows three key stages and Hillingdon will be assessed on this in November 2023.

The key note speaker was Jake Mills, CEO and Founder of Chasing the Stigma who presented ‘An Accidental Journey’ about overcoming his own mental health difficulties. Jake’s team run the app ‘Hub of Hope’ which is available on the CNWL website to download and use.

“I felt like I couldn’t share and I lied to everyone in my life. I lied about how I was feeling, where I was going, who I was with - everything. I didn’t know about the help and support and my coping mechanisms became unhealthy.”

Jake eventually sought support from healthcare professionals where he was referred for counselling.

“You don’t have to plan every single step. Take one next step at a time. No matter how dark it seems there is always hope – that’s what our charity is here to do.”

And the winners are...

We closed the day with an award ceremony, to recognise the efforts of all our hard working staff. A big congratulations and well done to all!