It’s International Women’s Day 2023 – and here at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, we have a lot to celebrate.
We’re proud of every single member of our staff – who give their all every day to care for our patients and make a difference to the people of northern Lincolnshire and Goole.
More than 80% of our workforce are women, who are thriving in a huge variety of roles across every department and discipline.
And as part of today’s celebrations, we wanted to share some of their inspirational stories with you – starting with Sue Liburd, MBE, who has received international recognition for her work in gender equality.
Find out more about the latest career opportunities with our Trust.
Sue Liburd, MBE DL – Non-Executive Director (NED)
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: I joined the Trust in October 2022.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Being a Non-Executive Director is a hugely satisfying and rewarding role if you are interested in using your skills and expertise to work with senior leaders to shape the strategy and performance of an organisation.
To be effective as a NED, it is important to become a big picture thinker, be comfortable being an outsider, and having objectivity to exercise independent critical thinking and judgement. Knowledge of how organisations are governed and how organisational boards make decisions is also essential.
I advise if you are interested in becoming a non-executive, in the first instance meet informally with a range of NEDs to learn in more detail about the role, its challenges and how personally rewarding it can be. If it is a role you wish to undertake, find an opportunity, and submit an application.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? I have a special interest in assisting women break glass ceilings to achieve career success. My achievements in the field of gender equality have been recognised internationally. I was listed in the HERoes top 100 Women Executives List for 2020, which showcases role models who are leading by example and driving change to increase gender diversity and equality in the workplace.
I am a big advocate of International Women’s Day as not only does it raise awareness about women’s equality, but it is also a global day of celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Importantly the day also marks a call to action, reminding us all, to value and respect women, notice our contribution and take steps to accelerate gender parity.
Sarah Smyth – Associate Chief Operating Officer and Registered Nurse
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: Three and a half years this time. I also worked here for a couple of years from 2004.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? You can do anything that you put your mind to and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!! Reach for the stars!!!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? The historical feminist movement significantly impacted positively on the nursing profession which I am exceptionally proud of. Therefore, for me, it is about elevating, celebrating, and amplifying the visibility and achievements of women in the workplace.
Rajinder Sahota Johal (known as Raj) – Head of Business and Medical Engagement within the Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: Just over 7 years.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Consider what business and engagement skills you already possess and identify any gaps that you might need to study for by the way of some formal learning. Many business focused tasks are about being highly efficient and extremely organised with your time and available resource, and prioritising accordingly. Many of these skills you will use in your everyday lives to help you manage and run your family and household resourcefully.
I knew my current role required a Master’s Degree (or at least working towards) so one of the first things I did was enrol on a trust apprenticeship. This allowed me to learn for 3 years and further development my knowledge, skills and experience, all whilst working full-time.
One of the invaluable lessons I have learned that has helped me, is using the insight and experience of others, and how this can be an enabler to your own development. I have utilised a number of unofficial work mentors both from my own senior management colleagues within the Chief Medical Officer Directorate as well as across the trust for specific pieces of work or for a professional discussion to sound out an idea. This is also a good way of you increasing your visibility in the organisation and makes others aware of your work in an informative an helpful way.
One last personal piece of advice I would give you is no matter what role you are in, always turn up as your authentic self and have pride and confidence in what you have to offer, but do it all with humility. Authenticity is trusted and valued.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me it’s an annual recognition and celebration about our place in the world as women and that gender equality is here to stay. We have the magic to believe in ourselves and with our strength we can offer support to others. As a big supporter and cheerleader of women, one thing you’ll never see me do is dim someone’s light, just so I can shine brighter. There’s simply no need. There is enough sparkle for all of us to shine bright, and we will always be stronger together.
One of my favourites quotes by the globally recognised advocate for gender equality – Kavita Nandini Ramdas (Kavita is also the name of one my many beautiful strong nieces) ‘We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free’.
Kay Newton – Head of Operational Flow
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: I’ve worked within the NHS for a total of 35 years, and all of this time has been spent working for NLAG
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? The advice I would give is to be confident and believe in yourself and never underestimate your own ability to achieve great things. Have courage to progress as women are great leaders and have the resilience to work under significant pressures, which the challenges of my role often bring.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? As a woman in a leadership role within a large organisation, it makes me very proud that we can celebrate our gender and recognise the power of women. It shows us that there can be equality and we can celebrate women all over the word. We can be, and should be, recognised for our courage, resilience, and leadership skills.
Anthonia Nwafor – Clinical sister and Staff Governor
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: Two years
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? My advice to other women is to be courageous, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Seek way to equip and develop yourself. Never think you’re not qualified for a role.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? International Women’s Day to me means equity and equality. A reminder to all women that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.
Noku Sibanda – Cancers Improvement Programme Officer
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: Five years
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? – Take any opportunities that arise to participate in something that is out of your comfort zone
What does international women’s day mean to you – To me it’s about celebrating our achievements and contributions on women from different walks of life. It’s refreshing to take stock and appreciate each other
Michelle Smith – Facilities Services Manager
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: 28 years
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Knowing your role, learning all the time. If you need help or have a question, find another person that knows more than you. Always ask for help and never fear the unknown. If offered an opportunity say yes and learn on the way. Aspire to what you want to become and believe in yourself.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? It’s time to reflect on the progress made around the world, time to celebrate all the acts of courage, determination by all who have played a part in bringing International Women’s Day to the forum of today
Esther Dame – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Project Officer
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: Since April 2018
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? – My advice would be: “There are plenty of opportunities, you just need to step forward and become curious. There are coaching and mentors in the organisation, who can support you to grow into your perfect roles. If you see a role advertised and it might be of interest, speak to the recruiter to get more information that may help you plan ahead – be curious!!”
What does international women’s day mean to you? Even though we may celebrate being women every day,International Women’s Day belongs to everyone, everywhere and is a day to put a spotlight on all the women globally and give appreciation for all the contributions and happiness we bring to our families, friends and work colleagues.
Simone Woods – Assistant Divisional General Manager
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: I have been with the Trust since 2019.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Don’t stop when you hit a barrier, there are barriers to everything we try to do but tenacity often pays off, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, delegation has its place but knowing your services is crucial whatever level you are at.
What does international women’s day mean to you? Working with other senior leaders who are women and have succeeded, shows how the world has changed in recent years. Not so many years ago, senior leaders appeared to be very male dominated area. This is different to where we are now, having proven we can be and do both – be a woman and be a leader and still, for those that are, be a wife and a mum. There are still challenges ahead but the last years have identified many more women in senior leadership roles.
Dr. Archana Prabhu – Consultant Anaesthetist and Lead for Pre-assessment at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: I have been with the Trust since 2006.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? It can be challenging for women who are seeking to achieve a balance between their home and working lives. Throughout their career in the NHS, individuals will have different demands on their time and energies at home as well as at work.
When women undertake lead roles in NHS, they must juggle their work responsibilities with other numerous roles as partners, mothers, daughters, etc.
I feel that NLAG is a Trust that looks after various work arrangements tailored to the requirements of their employees. There is a healthy and happy working environment, and equality and diversity are the core values of our Trust. Please join to become a part of a happy family away from your family.
What does international women’s day mean to you? I am excited to be a part of International Women’s Day and to be a Clinical Lead Liaison for the Women’s network which is being launched today.
I’m originally from Mumbai, India, and moved to the UK in 1997 to pursue specialist training and further education. I’ve always had a keen interest in community welfare both in the UK and in India and have helped to coordinate health awareness events as part of our Trust. I’m also a keen member of the Hindu Cultural Society in Grimsby and help to run campaigns to support an orphanage in India providing care to young children.
International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment but also to critically reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality in NHS and worldwide
When NHS staff are cared for, good care is delivered at the frontline. The only way to ensure patients receive high-quality care is by caring for staff at every level within an organisation. This forms an important part of the equality, diversity, and inclusion agenda for the health service.
I am proud to be a part of a trust which believes in gender equality and supports its staff to the greatest level.
Liz Houchin – Freedom to Speak Up Guardian
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: 35 years
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? My advice would be to look and take opportunities to develop whenever you can. My clinical background is in dentistry so quite different from my current role, but my values, the skills and knowledge I have gained over the years gave me the skills and passion to do the Guardian role.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? I am passionate about ensuring that everyone knows that they have an equal voice and that they should feel safe and confident to use it, because when you do speak up, you can make a difference.
Dr. Gazala Layas, Registrar in Acute Medicine
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: 3 years
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Do what you love and what you are passionate about. Don’t push yourself over the edge just to show that you can do more than a man. Don’t lose your feminist part, as that is part of your identity and always look after yourself. Always ask for help when you need , that doesn’t make you any less. I managed to finish my PhD while I was working full time, made a fantastic achievement in my work, while having four lovely children.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? Means women have been heard all over the world 🌎. Means that we can speak for our rights. Can do what we ever dreamt of, from being a mother to joining a team in space. Means our duties as mother and housewife has been noticed and not taken for granted as before.
Dr Seema Karan, Consultant Radiologist
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: 10 years and seven months
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Believe in yourself , give your best shot and do not be afraid of making mistakes. Failure is the key to success. Discipline and hard work are must if one wants to achieve big in life .
What does international women’s day mean to you? A day to celebrate and be proud of being a woman and an individual with own identity.
Dr Nermin Hussein, Registrar Acute Medicine
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: Since 25 October 2022
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? My advice is to work hard to reach for your goals. Be persistent in what you want good colleagues will help you to achieve what you want and you will become helpful to everyone.
What does international women’s day mean to you? We’ve very hard and deserve be treat with no discrimination against. That way women can achieve their dreams and show others anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Valerie Almira-Smith, Head of Organisational Development, Inclusion and Wellbeing
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: Two months in NLAG and over two years in the NHS
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Your network can help you steer your career in the right direction. Develop all the skills that you can possibly acquire without ever stopping, invest in yourself, make self-care a priority and develop as a human being – all make a good foundation for career development. If you nurture yourself, relationships building will be easier. Above all own who you are: the good, the bad, and the ugly – make the most of the good in you, let it shine; turn the bad into a positive, and be kind to the ugly parts, you’re only human after all.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? I was born as a first generation French into a North African- Spanish immigrant family of strong, brave and independent women who raised strong independent resilient daughters and grand-daughters (and great grand-daughters!).
For me IWD is the recognition to all the fantastic women around the world, of all ages and backgrounds who carry the future of humankind, work as the heart of families and bind them, who raise generation after generation. Women work outside the home and in the home, they form a network in communities and neighbourhoods and more unites them than divides them.
IWD recognises all those who fought and continue to fight for women’s rights in patriarchal societies.
As a working mum of twin pre-teens, it’s a great example to boys and girls to show “This girl can!”
Ellie Monkhouse, Chief Nurse
As well as being the Chief Nurse with a remit for the professional standards, education and practice of our workforce, including AHP’s, I am also the Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Maternity Safety Champion, Executive Lead for Research and Safeguarding, Patient Experience and also Quality Improvement.
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: I first came to NLaG on a six month secondment at the end of November 2018 from Chief Nurse at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Never give up! Have a clear plan and identify a mentor for professional, practical and pastoral support. Look for role models, but be yourself, develop your own style and work out what matters to you and the type of leader you want to be.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? Whilst we have come along way, we still have a long way to go, we need to recognise and celebrate women leaders and those that aspire to be leaders. It is still difficult to be a woman in leadership positions and get your voice heard. It is also an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge other amazing women across the world.
Dr Sidrah Farooq, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: I have proudly been part of NLaG since 2020.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, and so disciplined they can be free.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? In early years of my career, I had very few women leaders to take inspiration from. With evolving times especially within NHS, I was amazed the see the courage and dedication with which women lead within our organisation in a multitude of roles which is truly inspirational.
Dr Pauline Adiotomre, Consultant Paediatrician
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: 25 years
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Be a team player and leader and be supportive of your colleagues
What does international women’s day mean to you? An opportunity to reach out to other women
Shauna McMahon, Group Chief Information Officer
Time at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust: Since November 2020
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to your role? Do not be your own Gremlin, and second guess if you can do a role. Go after what jazzes you, be open to apply your skills in different roles to learn and grow. Give yourself positive affirmation, “ I can do this”. Engage in continuous learning throughout your career. Step out of your comfort zone – that is where the learning happens. Be open to try new things. Be comfortable not knowing – you will not know everything. Be kind to people.
Make sure you are having fun in whatever you do – it should bring your some joy and a feeling of contributing and accomplishment. Keep a work life balance.
What does international women’s day mean to you? International women’s day for me means reflecting on all those women in history who paved the way, who had the courage to challenge practises and behaviours that minimised the contributions that women could make and really were instrumental in pushing for change that enabled women today to be in roles that in history they were not even thought to be able to do.
It is a time to think of all women from so many backgrounds and cultures that had to, often at great personal peril, try to make a change for the better. Even now we can read about it in places such as Afghanistan. I am sad that in the year 2023 there are still areas where women are being marginalised.
So, it is also a time to think that we still have a long way to go to have equal opportunities. There still exists gender pay gaps, not enough females in senior roles, and on public and private boards. I often wonder why half the world’s leaders are not female? It is not just in formal workplace, statistics show that it is still women who volunteer, look after the family needs and given up to a lot to look after others’ needs. International women’s day is also a time to celebrate all the wonderful contributions women have made and continue to do in so many ways.
