This week we said farewell to Professor Eileen Fairhurst when she stepped down as NCA Chairman. As the longest serving Non-Executive Director (NED) in England, we caught up with Eileen to ask her a few questions about her time in the NHS.
You are the longest serving NED in England. How much have things changed since you joined the NHS from a NED perspective?
Anyone who has worked in the NHS knows that it is continually changing and that’s true of the NED role too. NEDs work much more closely with executive colleagues these days, especially when part of a unitary board where decisions are made as a group and non-execs have tended to get more involved in operational standards. I’m really pleased that in more recent years NEDs have got better at scrutinising and measuring equity of health care – making sure that everyone gets the same care, regardless of where you live.
What made you stay in the NHS?
I have always found the work I do in the NHS intellectually challenging. One of my lasting wishes is to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare when they need it and I believe the NHS is the jewel in the crown when it comes to achieving this. The people I work with every day and the possibility of making life better for the communities we serve has kept me committed to contributing to the NHS. My colleagues show real humanity and dedication to delivering treatment and care, even when the circumstances are extremely challenging, for example during covid.
What’s your best memory?
I have so many amazing memories, it’s difficult to think of just one. The management of change has been a constant theme running through my NHS roles. Setting up one of the first Primary Care Trusts in England, which was in Salford, was challenging but paved the way for how we work today. Turning around Trusts in difficulty has been a big part of my career and I’ve met so many talented people along the way.
What advice would you give people joining today?
There really is no single playlist for it but my focus has always been to build relationships and speak to hearts and minds. Going above and beyond is a given for people who work in the NHS, it’s just the type of people they are.
The NHS saved my live once and I have never once faltered in my commitment to bring my whole self to work and deliver social justice – treatment and care for everyone when they need it.
Eileen says ‘Thank you’
Eileen Fairhurst, NCA Chairman - farewell message to staff - YouTube