Navigating Challenge: A Culture & Leadership Conference

In February 2025, the Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex Patient Safety Collaborative brought together healthcare professionals from across our region for a pivotal conference exploring culture and leadership in the context of patient safety.

Jane Murkin, Deputy Director Safety & Improvement – Nursing at NHS England, provided critical leadership insights, consistently bringing discussions back to patient-centered care.

Hester Wain, Head of Patient Safety Policy at NHS England, highlighted the importance of a just culture and accountability.

Tony Kelly, National Specialty Advisor, National Maternity and Neonatal Programme, shared his thoughts on how we can build trust, support culture change, and avoid conflict. “Change only moves at the speed of trust”.

Julia Wood, Maternity and Neonatal Safety Improvement Programme Lead for the Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, provided insights into how to survive NHS challenges. She spoke of staff resilience and whether this is something we should admire in staff or be cautious that they are in danger of burnout.

Steve Chevis, Senior Public Health Manager at Medway Public Health, explored navigating challenges in medicines safety.

Steven Jenner, Critical Care Outreach Matron at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, discussed the Trust’s work in breaking barriers with Martha’s Rule and learning from overseas.