Although Maxine moved on to Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust last year, the impact she made during her time with us from 2017 continues to be felt. She played an important role in improving how we work, making services more efficient, strengthening patient safety, and supporting better outcomes for the people we care for.

She was also a key driver in introducing digital innovation across the service, ensuring that new systems delivered real benefits for staff and patients in practice. Her work helped modernise how we deliver emergency care, and that legacy remains in place today.

In 2024, Maxine established the first improvement academy at NWAS, bringing international expertise in improvement science to both frontline teams and senior leaders. This has supported meaningful improvements across the organisation, while helping staff build the confidence and capability to lead change.

Maxine showed a strong commitment to supporting both patients and colleagues. During COVID, she ensured that staff who were shielding were protected and supported in appropriate roles. She also championed the development of women into leadership positions through mentoring, coaching, and encouragement, and established the NWAS Women’s Network, which continues to make a difference.

Under her leadership, a number of NWAS initiatives received national recognition, including success at the Health Service Journal Awards. While proud of these achievements, she consistently kept the focus on patients, championing feedback, patient stories, and co-design to keep services centred on what matters most.

NWAS Chief Executive Salman Desai, said: “The difference Maxine made here is still felt every day. Her work has improved outcomes for patients and strengthened support for our staff. She has also played a key role in supporting women into senior roles, and we have seen real progress as a result.”

Maxine’s influence extends beyond NWAS, with contributions nationally and internationally through research, collaboration, and sharing best practice in areas such as digital innovation and large-scale change.

Salman added: “On behalf of everyone at NWAS, I am delighted to congratulate Maxine on this well-deserved award. It was a privilege to work with her, and I have great admiration for her commitment to improving care for patients and supporting staff. This recognition is a fitting reflection of her contribution to the NHS.”

Congratulations, Maxine, on this amazing achievement!