I was lucky enough to take a couple of days annual leave at the start of this week in order to look after my grandson and granddaughter. It was lovely to spend time with them and they are at an age where I really enjoy there company and we had loads of fun together.  I was lucky enough to take a couple of days annual leave at the start of this week in order to look after my grandson and granddaughter. It was lovely to spend time with them and they are at an age where I really enjoy there company and we had loads of fun together. 

It has been another busy week here at NELFT and on Tuesday we held our public Board meeting. We opened the meeting with a patient journey and I am so grateful to Bridget, who was supported by her daughter Margaret, for joining us to share her experiences. Bridget has used mental health services for most of her life and most recently, at 81 years young, she has been supported by our memory service at Broad Street in our Barking and Dagenham directorate.

Firstly, a huge thank you to all our colleagues and partners for all your efforts as you have been working through the heatwave! I know it has been really tough to work in the recent hot weather. I am hoping that the weather will be cooling down over the coming days, at least for the foreseeable future. I really appreciate your efforts in ensuring that our most vulnerable patients have been well supported over the last few days.

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.

This month is LGBT Pride Month and I am delighted to see all of the activity being led by our LGBT+ Staff Network. Colleagues attended Canterbury Pride for the first time at the weekend and it looked like a brilliant day.