April 2023

From the Chief Executive

As we move into spring and welcome the start of another financial year, there are lots of important milestones to share from the Trust.

In March, we said goodbye to our chairman of 8 years, Tom Hayhoe. He has played a key role in transforming the Trust and will be greatly missed by all those who have had the pleasure of working with him. Current vice chair Elizabeth Rantzen will be acting as interim chair in his absence and will continue Tom’s excellent work.

Today marks the launch of our Trust strategy outlining our priorities for the next five years with a focus on tackling health inequalities in the local community. 

It's been one year since the Trust launched its Green Plan and I’m pleased to say that there has been tremendous progress to meet our sustainability goals and reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Nexus, a short drama about eating disorders, part-funded by the Trust, also premiered nationally in March. The film was shown at cinemas and venues around the country during Eating Disorder Awareness Week and had its online premiere to great success, surpassing 1,000 views on YouTube.

I'm very pleased to highlight another excellent milestone for the Trust - we've been awarded the Stonewall Bronze Award for our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity work, particularly making the organisation a welcoming place for the LGBT+ community.

I hope you enjoy our latest newsletter and continue to support West London NHS Trust as we champion good physical and mental health in our communities.

Carolyn Regan

Chief Executive

Trust sets out its strategy for the next five years

Today is the launch of the new five-year strategy for West London NHS Trust. The strategy sets out key priorities for 2023 to 2028 with a major focus on tackling local health inequalities. Chief Executive, Carolyn Regan, described the strategy as an 'important new chapter' for the Trust and it has been developed in response to 'changing health needs' in the community. 

Farewell to Trust chairman Tom Hayhoe

At the end of March, the Trust bid farewell to our chairman of eight years, Tom Hayhoe. Tom has played a huge role in transforming and championing West London NHS Trust during his term. He will be replaced by current vice-chair Elizabeth Rantzen who will be starting on an interim basis from 1 April 2023.

Trust celebrates first anniversary of Green Plan

The Trust is celebrating one year since the launch of its Green Plan. Over the last year, the Trust has made tremendous progress to meet its sustainability aims and set out seven steps, including, for example, transport and energy, with the Trust purchasing e-bikes for staff and upgrading existing lamps to low energy LED ones.

Nexus short film shown a cinemas and venues across the country

In March, the Trust-backed short film 'Nexus' premiered in cinemas and venues nationally during Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The film explores the impact of Covid-19 on young people's mental health and was a collaboration between West London NHS Trust, Inner Eye Productions and Imperial College London with funding from the Burdett Trust for Nursing. The story follows 17-year-old Matt who struggles with bulimia during the coronavirus lockdown.

Male eating disorder patient shares his story

The Trust also published an emotive blog from male eating disorder patient Dillon Chuhan during Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The theme of the awareness week was 'men get eating disorders too' so Dillon's story was particularly timely. The story was shared by Hounslow Council who highlighted it in their Thrive newsletter for residents.

Trust celebrates Children's Mental Health Week

This year Children's Mental Health Week took place from Monday 6 February until Sunday 12 February. To mark the week, the Trust and the charity Mind launched the UK's first mental health crisis cafe for children and young people called The Circle. The launch was covered by the local press, including the Evening Standard. The Trust also marked the week by launching a new digital app to support youngsters with anxiety, held special mental health assemblies in schools, and hosted 'Let's Connect' walks in the local area.

Ealing TB Awareness team praised by local councillors

Ealing councillors have shared their support for the Ealing TB Awareness service. At a recent outreach session held at the West London Islamic Centre, several councillors met with the team and showed their commitment to tackling TB in the borough. Southall currently has the second highest prevalence for TB in the whole of London, with councillor saying they need to "take every opportunity".

Trust receives Stonewall Bronze Award

The Trust has been awarded a Stonewall bronze award for its work supporting LGBT people. Over the past year, the Trust has made significant strides towards creating an inclusive working environment, including launching the NHS Rainbow Badge survey and brand-new Rainbow Badges. The Trust will now continue working towards obtaining a silver award  and making Stonewall's Top 100 Employers List in the future.

Trust marks Military March

The Trust is continuing to work towards signing the Armed Forces Covenant showing its support to armed forces veterans and their friends and family. This year the Trust supported Military March by highlighting the story of Linda Stradins an ex-service colleagues who joined the NHS after serving in the army. In addition the Trust has also launched an armed forces network for staff from military backgrounds.