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Introducing…Jennifer Wilson

20.02.2024

Each month you can learn more about the people behind East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and its Integration Joint Board (IJB).

Find out more about staff and board members and what they enjoy most about their role!

This month we’re ‘Introducing’…

Jennifer Wilson (Jenny), IJB Member and Nurse Director for NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Read on to find out more about Jenny and her role within the IJB!

I am a mum of two girls, Emma and Katy who are 20 and 23 years old, and my husband is David.

I have been a nurse for 30 years and have worked in NHS Ayrshire and Arran for the last four years. I have been an IJB member for two years.

As the Nurse Director for NHS Ayrshire and Arran I have a broad portfolio, being accountable for:

  • Strategic and professional leadership to our nursing, midwifery and allied health professional workforce;
  • Infection prevention and control in line with national guidance;
  • Public protection including child and adult support and protection, gender-based violence;
  • Healthcare governance (in conjunction with the Medical Director) ensuring the quality and safety of our clinical services;
  • Healthcare quality to ensure high quality, safe and effective person centred care and improved patient experience;
  • Person-Centred Care including complaints management, patient and carer feedback, staff care and chaplaincy; and
  • National whistleblowing standards.

I became a voting member of the IJB two years ago, when I came into my role as Nurse Director.

As a member of the East Ayrshire Integrated Joint Board, I am committed to acting in the best interests of patients, service users, carers, the workforce, and the public.

This privilege fills me with pride, and I actively and constructively participate in IJB meetings and associated work under the guidance of the IJB Chair.

I embrace effective governance, accountability, and stewardship of public funds, adhering to the principles of good scrutiny.

In my leadership role within the IJB, I work towards creating and sharing a compelling vision for the future, fostering collaboration with others to deliver continually improving services, and ensuring a person-centred approach by engaging patients, service users, carers, and communities in service planning and delivery.

I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more about the IJB to attend a board meeting to reach out for a chat.

I am particularly proud of the community nursing review led by East Ayrshire’s Associate Nurse Director of community and primary care nursing. This review aligns with Caring for Ayrshire and supports care to be delivered close to home or in a homely setting.

The East Ayrshire Integrated Joint Board plays a pivotal role in our community by aligning health and social care services. Its significance lies in its ability to streamline and coordinate various healthcare and support systems, ensuring that patients, service users, and their families receive comprehensive and holistic care.

By aligning resources, strategies, and expertise, the IJB enhances the overall wellbeing of our residents, addressing not only their immediate health needs but also the broader social determinants of health. This collaborative approach fosters efficiency, reduces duplication, and ultimately leads to improved health outcomes and better quality of life for the people of East Ayrshire.

The IJB’s commitment to addressing health inequalities, promoting person-centred care, and optimising the use of public funds underscores its vital role in our community’s health and wellbeing.

Thanks for chatting with us Jenny!

Don’t miss next month’s ‘Introducing’ segment!