Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023 at the Trust

This International Women’s Day, our Trust is celebrating the vital role that women play in the NHS.

With more than three quarters of our 6,700 staff consisting of women, we’re proud to mark this day and the incredible contribution our female staff make to the 1.5 million people we serve. As one of the safest and highest performing trusts in the country, we are leaders in innovation and women’s health – pioneering treatments in endometriosis and running the second largest maternity services in England.

As part of International Women’s Day 2023, the Trust will host a series of events and opportunities for staff to recognise their achievements, identify challenges and highlight the importance of embracing gender equity in our organisation.

Colleagues will also be sharing their stories, including consultant bariatric surgeon Anna who leads a surgical team where the majority of staff are women.

Anna said: “I’m so proud to lead such a talented, dedicated and inspiring group of women in this team. Each day, they go above and beyond the call of duty – delivering high-quality and complex care to our patients. This is all done while supporting their colleagues to reach their potential as women in the NHS.”

Clinical practice development nurse Natasha has also shared her story as the Trust lead for supporting and empowering newly registered nurses at the trust.

Speaking today, Natasha said: “Throughout my career, female nurses such as Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale and Mary Elizo Mahoney have inspired me. These women were instrumental in shaping the nursing profession and stood firm in developing their careers.

“This International Women’s Day I hope we—as women—can inspire each other to unlock our potential and to have the motivation to continually develop.”

Trust leaders are also marking this important occasion by participation in special Women’s Network event.

Virginia Massaro, Chief Financial Officer, said: “I’m proud to work in an organisation where the contribution of women is recognised and celebrated. As a woman in a role which is traditionally under-represented in the NHS, I have been fortunate to have some amazing and inspiring female role models throughout my career at Chelsea and Westminster.

“As a trust, we are working hard to improve equality, diversity and inclusion and some of our programmes, such as reverse mentoring, have been really successful. We must continue to provide safe and inclusive places for staff to have a voice and be heard, so that every part of the NHS embraces equity for all.”

Cathy Hill, Chair of the Women’s Network and Director of Nursing, said: “I feel very proud to have worked at West Middlesex Hospital site for many years. Every single one of my managers has helped to support my career progression, offering development opportunities and flexible working, enabling me to balance my family commitment with my working life. 

“This year’s International Women’s Day theme is embracing equity and I am proud to work at a Trust where there is an absolute commitment to improve equity for all.”

You can read the stories from our colleagues this International Women’s Day:

• Natasha’s story
• Anna’s story