She joined after a long career in the NHS in Greater Manchester. Her career started in mental health through a university graduate training scheme. Sian then became a mental health commissioner before moving into senior operational roles in Pennine Care and Greater Manchester Mental Health Trusts.

After joining NWAS in August, Sian said, “I absolutely love it! Before I started, some people told me that organisation would be difficult to join for a woman and for someone who isn’t a paramedic. What I’ve actually found is the complete opposite.”

“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and very forgiving of the steep learning curve that I am on. Also, they appreciate the different perspectives I can provide after joining from a different sector of the NHS.”

While four months has only given Sian a brief time to get to grips with the service, she already has some clear aims and objectives.

“I want to continue to cement NWAS as an equal partner so that our priorities are considered equally alongside those of other NHS partners at a strategic level.

“I would also like to contribute to improving the mental health support for staff. As a service that deals with trauma daily, the stresses and strains that it puts on staff are obvious.”

Sian is looking forward to continuing to get to know the NWAS team across the region and positively contribute to improving services for patients and experience for our staff.

This story was taken from the most recent edition of our Your Call magazine which is our digital publication for our patients, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and the public. It explores our service initiatives, staff, patient, and public stories as well as current issues and other features. If you would like to be added to the mailing list or would like to contribute to our magazine, please contact our Communications Team at: [email protected].