Nurses can ‘all lead change and add value across the health and care system’, according to England’s chief nursing officer in the run-up to the biggest UK healthcare event of the year.
Jane Cummings announced that nursing will be a central theme of the Health and Care Innovation Expo 2017, which is set to take place on 11-12 September in Manchester.
READ MORE: NHS tops international study , but falling behind in healthcare outcomes
At the event, she will lead a main stage session on the importance of nurse leadership in transforming care for individuals with mental health issues and learning disabilities, with speakers including health secretary Jeremy Hunt and NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens also set to make appearances.
‘Nursing, midwifery and care staff, whatever their role, wherever they work can all lead change and add value across the health and care system,’ said Professor Cummings.
‘Despite the daily pressures they are under, I hope that nurses can take some time to reflect and spend time reviewing what the future opportunities are and how we have a vital role to play in both shaping these and helping to implement them.’
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Janet Davies: 'Primary care nurses must make their voice heard'
As she works on developing the Leading Change, Adding Value framework to deliver better outcomes, experiences and use of resources for staff, Professor Cummings said nurses are ‘central’ to the framework’s success.
Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s National Mental Health Director, will highlight the leadership role of nursing and care staff to improve outcomes for individuals with mental health issues and their vital contribution in the delivery of the Mental Health Forward View. Expo will also feature a focus on general practice nursing in its primary care zone.
READ MORE: New fitness-to-practice regulation comes into force
Expo 2017 will be the ‘most significant health and social care event of the year’ and is expected to attract 5,500 delegates. Nursing leadership will be represented in four programmes on cancer, mental health, primary care, and urgent and emergency care, all set to feature at the event.
Vicky Stobbart, executive director of nursing and quality for Guildford and Waverley CCG, will join a panel of experts to discuss the reality of current challenges, as well as opportunities that lie ahead, focusing on the role of nurses to transform care.