Matthew Kershaw is a prominent figure in the healthcare sector, serving as the Chief Executive of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust since 2018, as well as taking on the role of Place-Based leader for Health for the borough; one of the first leaders in the country to do so.
Prior to this, Matthew was Chief Executive of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for three years, securing £500m capital to redevelop the Sussex County Hospital. He has also worked with the Care Quality Commission, Health Education England, and is also a Senior Visiting Fellow at The King’s Fund where he has played a key role in its work with health and care organisations to develop integrated care that better meets the needs of patients and services-users.
With a distinguished career dedicated to improving healthcare delivery, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. Known for his strategic leadership and commitment to patient-centred care, he plays a crucial role in steering the NHS Trust towards excellence in healthcare provision.
Introduction
I’m Matthew Kershaw, Chief Executive of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, and I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Suhail Mirza to discuss some critical issues facing the health and social care sector. We discussed topics such as the unique demographics of Croydon and both the benefits and challenges of delivering care in a busy London borough, the workforce challenges and impact of industrial action, our strategies for improving staff well-being and our ambition to deliver better, more integrated care across the borough. I would like to share some key insights from our conversation.
Understanding Croydon’s Distinctive Demographics
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust serves the vibrant borough of Croydon, home to over 400,000 people. What sets Croydon apart is its diversity, with more than 50% of the population coming from a black, Asian, and minority ethnic background. However, we also grapple with significant health inequalities, serving a population where a high proportion falls within the most deprived section of the country. Despite these challenges, the dynamic and diverse nature of Croydon makes it an incredibly fulfilling place to work.
The Integration Challenge
Our trust is not just an acute care provider; we also play a vital role in delivering community services. Integration has been a key focus for us, with the aim of seamlessly connecting hospital and community services and bridging the gap between health and social care. I highlighted the success of our Integrated Community Networks (ICN+), an initiative bringing together health, social care, and voluntary sector colleagues to address the unique needs of specific populations within Croydon and provide a more holistic approach care, closer to home.
Tackling Workforce Challenges
Suhail and I discussed the workforce challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic and against a backdrop of issues including industrial action. It has been a demanding period for our staff, and I emphasised the importance of recognising and addressing their well–being. The resilience of our NHS staff is commendable, but it is crucial to ensure we prioritise their health and create a supportive working environment for all.
The London Effect
Working in London brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. While the cost of living and industrial action is magnified, the draw of the city and its diverse workforce present unique advantages. Our trust reflects the local community, with 70% of our staff living in Croydon, fostering a familial atmosphere that adds an extra layer of responsibility and connection to our work.
A Forward-Looking Approach
Our discussion also touched on the future of healthcare, particularly the need for innovative approaches to workforce recruitment and training. As the healthcare landscape evolves, we are actively exploring apprenticeships and diverse pathways into the sector, ensuring that we tap into the enthusiasm of the younger generation and provide fulfilling careers.
Addressing Health Inequalities
Finally, we talked about initiatives to address health inequalities, such as the Strengthening Communities Together programme and how we are working with our partners to ensure the right allocation of resources to areas with the greatest need. By actively involving the voluntary sector and working collaboratively across agencies, we are also working to personalise our services to meet the specific needs of our diverse community.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, our conversation touched on the various facets of healthcare, from workforce challenges to innovative solutions and the imperative to address health inequalities. As we continue our journey at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, my commitment remains steadfast in creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for our staff while delivering high-quality care to the diverse population we serve. Thank you for joining me on this insightful journey through the Voices of Care.
