We are getting ready to welcome Dame Donna Kinnair from the Royal College of Nursing to CHFT on Tuesday March 17th. Donna will be taking time out to attend our next BAME meeting - which is open to all colleagues.

Procurement's Errol Brown is the Chair of the Black Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) network.

Errol said "It's an honour and pleasure to have Donna Kinnair visit our Trust. This is a definitely a good news story for CHFT and the region as a whole. The BAME network meeting at 1.30pm in the HRI Learning Centre is open to all colleagues, so have your questions ready for the Q & A panel session and please spread the word".

Ahead of her visit CHFT Weekly asked her to tell us a little more about her career, her off-duty and her hero...

What is your position? 

Hello my name is Dame Donna Kinnair I am the General secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing.

Tell us a little more about your career background and the highlights

As a nurse I have worked in many fields including: Surgery / A&E / Community Nursing/ Paediatrics and Health Visiting as well as Intensive Care. I have managed many services both in and out of hospital settings, including drugs and alcohol services.

I worked for a number of years as a health and social care commissioner and this included commissioning all health services including mental health and maternity services as well as children’s homes and meals on wheels.

My highlight is my current role (although I have loved every role that I have done), as it gives me the opportunity to really fight for improved patient care by ensuring that nurses are able to provide the care their patients need. This means having enough nurses, and utilising their skills to deliver good quality care.

Sum up your role in three words

Enabling quality care.

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

A nurse although I tried management and retail first.

Who is your hero/heroine and why?

Marie Curie I loved physics at school

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

Cycling and reading

What is your favourite place?

Walking in the woods in autumn time crunching leaves.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I am a fairly good skier.