NHSGGC has a new Chief Operating Officer – and he was warmly welcomed by the Hospitalwatch team at last week’s meeting at the Vale (30.03.22)
William Edwards took over from Jonathan Best earlier this month. In his time in the job, Jonathan dedicated a lot of his efforts in forging links with Hospitalwatch – something William is very keen to build on.
He said: “I know the relationships Jonathan and others managed to build with Hospitalwatch were very important to him.”
There was a packed agenda when the meeting took place between the Board and the group last week. This included an informative update on the COVID situation across the Board area as well as the Vale specifically and how this is impacting on staff and patients.
Local GP Dr Saied Pourghazi, who is also the West Dunbartonshire HSCP’s Clinical Director also attended the meeting and was able to give a very informative update on how GP appointments are working at the moment. He reported that in the local area GPs have seen a rise in patient contacts, estimated to be between 30 and 50% on pre-pandemic levels.
Jim Moohan said: “Hospitalwatch would like to take the opportunity to welcome William Edwards to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Hopefully he will continue the very productive work of Jonathan Best.”
Ahead of the meeting, Hospitalwatch praised the Vale team on Twitter for a recent patient experience:
“Starting to get back up to full capacity. Feedback is that consultants are positive re the vale and the surgery/theatres with quick turnarounds and cleanliness of the facility.”
Jim Moohan said: “We had a very informative meeting with William, with items including COVID 19, Infrastructure, Capital Planning and the continuing stabilisation at Alexandria.”
William added: “I found my first official meeting with Hospitalwatch very constructive. Alongside the Clyde team, I am looking forward to working with Jim and his colleagues to make the most of the Vale of Leven Hospital. These meetings are quarterly and aim to continue the positive communication – but my door is always open. I know how highly regarded the Vale is in the local community and how dedicated the staff are too and we want to build on that.”
William was previously the Board’s Director of eHealth and guided it through massive change as a result of COVID, such as establishing the technical infrastructure to support the vaccination programme. This included the technology, telephony, reporting and contact centre staffing required to support our programme.