Tom Ladlow is our Head Nurse for Urgent and Emergency Care - having joined us last December, 12 years after his first role here at CHFT as a staff nurse, before a spell at Leeds General Infirmary. 

Here he tells more about his career path, how he planned to take to the skies when he was young and how Sir Alex Ferguson's tactical thinking and leadership skills made an impression on him:

Hi my name is Tom and I’m 33 years old and from Huddersfield. I studied Adult Nursing at the University of Huddersfield and qualified as a registered nurse in 2011. I have a wife called Beth and two children, Harry 17 months old, Noah 8 weeks old and a cat called Jasper.

What is your role here at CHFT?

I returned to CHFT in December 2022 and joined the Medical Division in the role of Head Nurse for Urgent and Emergency Care.

Tell us about your career background.

I qualified as a registered nurse in 2011 and got my first staff nurse position working within the Emergency Department (ED) at Calderdale Royal Hospital (CRH).

I worked within the ED at CRH until 2015 when I moved on to the position of Charge Nurse within the ED and Major Trauma Centre at the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), I then moved into the position of ED Senior Charge in 2017.

During my time at the LGI, I attended the University of York to complete modules in the management of Minor Illness and Injury and subsequently attended the University of Leeds to complete a Masters in Advanced Practice.

In 2019 I moved to St James’s University Hospital into the role of Matron, where my role covered the ED, Medical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), Frailty Unit, Medical Advance Practitioners, and the Primary Care Access Line/

One of the highlights of this role was that I was able to participate in the setting up of a new medical SDEC unit co-located with the ED. During my time within Leeds, I was also lucky enough to be involved in the filming of Helicopter Heroes and A&E Live with Davina McCall.

What are the best bits about your job?

The ability to influence how care is provided to all patients who receive Urgent and Emergency care within CHFT helps and to help achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.

I also enjoy collaborating with great colleagues and helping team members to develop and grow in their roles.
 

What is the highlight of your career so far?

I've was involved in the creation of a new Medical Same Day Emergency Care service within Leeds that went onto provide care for up 120 patients per day, saving patients from unnecessary admissions and enabling patients to return home and have care provided to them in a familiar environment.

Sum up your role in three words.

• Empowering
• Energising
• Patient-centred

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be pilot!

Who is your hero/heroine and why?

Sir Alex Ferguson. During in his career he achieved great deal of success attributed to his leadership skills, integrity, ability to motivate people and his tactical thinking.

When you are not at work, how do you relax?

I like spending time with family and friends, watching football and traveling.

What is your favourite place?

My favourite place is Gatehouse of Feet in Scotland, I have many happy childhood holiday memories there.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I have passion for cooking and attended night school to get a catering qualification.