Physios make their mark in leadership

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Published: 29 Jul 2010
Author: Gary Henson

Physiotherapists made an impressive showing in the finals of the NHS AHP Leadership Challenge this week.

The overall winner was a team of six from South West strategic health authority, two of whom were physiotherapists, while physios accounted for 22 of the 60 finalists.

The challenges, which consist of exercises based on fictional but realistic scenarios from health and social care, took place across England from May to July. The best performing teams in each of the 10 SHAs went forward to the final.

Rosie Yarnall (pictured second left), a paediatric posture management adviser at Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly PCT, who was in the winning team, described the event as ‘the most amazing experience’.

‘It has boosted my self confidence and made me realise how AHPs can step up to the mark and use their professional knowledge and skills to achieve great things,’ she added.

The other winning physio was Donna Pike (far left), deputy physio manager, respiratory outpatients, at Plymouth hospitals trust. She said:  

'The leadership challenge has given me the opportunity to broaden my leadership skills in a pressurised environment, pushed me well outside outside of my comfort zone, and enabled me to work as an effective AHP in a wonderfully supportive, and enjoyable team.'

Presenting the awards, NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson, said events like these gave him energy. ‘Having confidence can move mountains,’ he added. ‘Go back and make change happen.’

‘What is clear from this, and previous events, is how individuals have gained in personal confidence,’ said CSP director of practice and development Natalie Beswetherick.

They also obtained the political awareness and strategic skills essential for service redesign, she added.