Qualifying as a Physiotherapist in 1987, Mandy has worked in both patient-facing and managerial roles in Doncaster, also undertaking a two year period of professional development within Canada’s health service in the mid-1990s. Mandy has held a number of roles at the Trust, including the position of Deputy Head of Physiotherapy services, during which time she developed the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service, as well as the Occupational Health Physio service, both of which are still active in the local area.
After this, Mandy was appointed General Manager for Trauma and Orthopaedics, then the MSK and Frailty Care Group and now Division of Surgery and Cancer, following organisational restructures. Throughout her tenure at DBTH, Mandy has proven to be a skilled, valued and engaging member of the team, utilising her considerable expertise in both clinical and managerial roles to make improvements in every area she has supported.
As Chief Allied Health Professional (AHP) for both organisations, Mandy will work directly to both the trusts’ respective Directors of Nursing and develop processes, pathways and governance, ultimately enhancing physical and mental health in Rotherham, Doncaster and North Lincolnshire. As lead, Mandy will assume immediate responsibility for all AHPs employed by both DBTH and RDaSH, including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and language Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, Orthotics, Radiography, Operation Department practitioners, Orthoptists, Podiatry and Art Therapy.
Upon her appointment, Mandy said: “I am extremely pleased to be appointed Chief Allied Health Professional and cannot wait to get started. DBTH and RDaSH have a long-standing and fruitful relationship and I believe this will only grow stronger as a result of the trusts working together to develop this exciting new and joint post. We have some incredibly talented AHP teams working in mental health and learning disabilities and in physical health services across both the hospital and community. My vision is to support all AHPs to enable them to work together and with other key clinicians to deliver the highest quality of care to our Patients, clients and their families.
“With the help of colleagues, it is my ambition to build a sustainable workforce, helping to foster relationships across the trusts and with partners, facilitating development opportunities, enhancing our offer for students and learners, so we become the employers of choice.”
An interim post for six months, the Chief Allied Health Professional will work at DBTH three days a week, and RDaSH two.
Mandy continues: “Throughout the past number of years, there has been a concerted effort to highlight the crucial work of AHPs. It is my pledge to give colleagues across both trusts a strong voice, recognising the excellent work that has already been done and building upon this solid foundation to provide a top-notch and exemplary service.”