NHS Providers CEO enjoys visit to the Trust

18 Aug 25

The Trust was pleased to welcome Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive of NHS Providers, to spend time visiting our simulation hub at our Head Office and one of our inpatient wards at Kingfisher Court.

Group shot of HPFT staff with NHS Providers' CEO and HPFT's CEO. They are all smiling and standing on grass in front of a yellow building.

Daniel learnt how the Trust has reduced its nursing vacancy rate from 26% in 2022 to almost 0%, achieving its ambition of having a waiting list of staff wanting to come and work at HPFT – a remarkable success against national trends. This has been achieved by focusing on improving workplace culture and inclusion, training their own workforce and using apprenticeships, investing in clinical leaders, and offering career development through rotational programmes.

Daniel said: "The sense of common purpose and joy at work that this has created was evident on visiting Swift Ward, the mental health assessment unit at Kingfisher Court in Radlett. Not only was the environment impressive with plenty of outdoor space, but the unit itself is also set within a modern housing estate, normalising mental illness and support.

"The staff described how they work together with service users to set and meet treatment goals so that they can be discharged safely. They described their approach as being holistic and even gave examples of running karaoke sessions and movie nights, both of which were requested by service users!

"Service users are also asked for their feedback on the food multiple times a week so that menus can be tailored to individual needs. The ward staff described their approach as being holistic, and well connected to other teams, wards and agencies in the community. As a result, they have a short length of stay.”

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NHS Providers CEO enjoys visit to the Trust