Conquering health inequalities, one community at a time
A leading North East NHS Trust have appointed a Chief Operating Officer with the aim of translating their ambitious health strategy into the delivery of outstanding patient care.
Care Quality Commission rated ‘GOOD’ North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has appointed former Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust Director of Operations, Levi Buckley into the new post.
He joins the executive management team as a direct response, the Trust say, to ‘an evolving landscape for health care, with a view to working differently focusing on prevention and a more aspirant outlook for the Tees Valley’.
With over 25 years’ experience working within health and social care, Levi joins the organisation in a region he describes as facing complex challenges, but one that offers opportunity to break down any perceived inequalities in the healthcare economy.
He says ‘we need to be honest across health and social care and acknowledge some of the very real issues we face. Demand continues to rise – but in recognising the health needs and identity of our communities and working collaboratively with our partner agencies and local communities we can work to tailor services to local needs. We want to encourage ownership of our population health by all, holding up a mirror to reflect challenging health outcomes and life expectancy, asking people to want more’.
Radical changes needed to tackle severe deprivation
The North East, and in particular the geographical areas covered by North Tees and Hartlepool are home to some of the most impoverished areas in England with up to 40% deprivation in some towns.
Levi continues ‘we need to focus on radical changes, encouraging better management of self-care from within our communities. Most people know the health implications of a poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise and excessive alcohol use. Isolation and inactivity are some of our biggest issues – but we can all challenge this by working with the communities we serve. If we work with the values of collaborative, aspirational, respectful and empathetic at the heart of what we deliver we can ensure we are providing the platform for the best possible outcomes for everyone in our population’.
Speaking about the appointment, Julie Gillon, Chief Executive for the Trust said ‘Levi’s appointment is another commitment by our organisation to ensure we continue to provide the best possible health care outcomes for the Tees Valley. He will become intrinsic in working with our partner organisations and agencies. We need to do things differently and our Trust will never shy away from the opportunity to shape a more aspirant future for the Tees Valley’.