Gareth Howells, Director of Nursing and Patient Experience at Swansea Bay University Health Board has won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for his colleagues. Hazel Powell, colleague and Deputy Director of Nursing & Patient Experience explains why Gareth is a worth winner,
“Gareth is a kind and compassionate leader. He is supportive and values the teams that he supports. He is a visible leader spending lots of time based across our numerous service sites and never forgets that as a large integrated Health Board we have community and primary care and mental health and learning disability services as well as 3 acute hospitals.
“To be visible and available he has started a ‘big conversation’ with staff where he asks what matters to you. This is being further developed to include a mix of virtual conversations and visits to key sites to speak and listen to our nurses, midwives and health visitors. This year he has launched a DoN recognition scheme to extraordinary practice and a postcard schemes where staff receive a handwritten thank you when he sees or hears about good practice. Gareth provide psychological safety so that his team can be brave and flourish, he is a leader that always spotlights others whilst avoiding the spotlight for himself. He is a nurse leader who not only takes opportunities but holds the door open for others.”
Read more about Gareth
“Director of Nursing declared a shining light after Star award” Swansea Bay News