Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in our CQC Well-Led Inspection this week. I had the privilege, with Wellington Makala, our Chief Nurse and Executive Director for AHPs and Psychological Professions, of presenting to the CQC inspection team. It was really inspiring to present our journey since the last inspection in 2019, particularly in light of how we have strengthened leadership across the Trust, focused on improving patient safety and how we can improve the working lives of colleagues. Whatever the outcome of the CQC inspection I want you all to know how proud I am to work alongside you, and I am so grateful for all you do to support us to deliver the best care to our patients.

I was delighted to see the promotion of our first Patient and Carer Engagement event focused on the Race Equality Framework. The event is on 8 July and will be chaired by Wellington. If you are interested in attending you can register by clicking this link: Patient and Carer Engagement Event

I was happy to see the launch of the Administration Professionals Buddy System this week. The programme will take place between July and October, supporting 34 of our administration colleagues initially with a focus on sharing learning through regular mentoring sessions and shadowing opportunities. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to take part, I can’t wait to hear feedback at the next Administration Professionals Forum in October. I would also like to recognise the work of Alice Lush, my Executive Assistant, and Rebecca Duffy, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Chief Nurse and Director of Nursing, Essex & Kent for all of their commitment to supporting the development of our administrative colleagues across the Trust.

As you will be aware, further COVID-19 restrictions were eased across the NHS and we have communicated via our COVID-19 brief the impacts for colleagues, patients and visitors. For the latest patient and visitor guidance on COVID-19 restrictions at NELFT click here.

This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is running their campaign to encourage women to book their cervical screening as almost one in three women don’t go. Find out more at Jo's Trust.