Heather Henry, an independent nurse who, over the last 4 years, has worked at the cutting edge of 21st century primary care, has been named as one of the 48 most inspirational nurse leaders in the country. Heather was nominated by readers of the Nursing Times and was selected by an independent panel of national nurse leaders in the four nations of the UK.
Heather trained at Manchester Royal Infirmary and worked as a nurse for the majority of her career and then a manager in the NHS, before starting her own business Brightness Management four years ago with the aim of offering ‘a few bright ideas for health and social care’.
Her focus is on social innovation – new approaches to help the most disadvantaged in society. She works in equal partnership with communities across the UK to build community spirit and help local people to help themselves.
A former director of primary care, Heather is currently the elected co-vice chair of the NHS Alliance, where she leads on primary care’s contribution to health inequalities, with a particular focus in housing and health. A former practice nurse, she has recently established the NHS Alliance national network for general practice nurses alongside fellow nurse Louise Brady, and the network is gaining ground fast.
Heather is trustee for an award-winning Greater Manchester charity CALLPlus, which offers emotional and practical support to people with cancer and other life limiting illnesses.
She was recognised in 2013 by the Queen’s Nursing Institute, an organisation that drives forward nursing outside hospitals, for her leadership ability in community nursing and now holds the honorary title of ‘Queen’s Nurse’.
In her home town of Sale, Heather volunteers her time as a community ambassador, as co-chair of Sale Locality Partnership, where local people and services come together to make the Sale area a better place.
Of her leadership skills she says: “I start off at the front and end up at the back.”
Nursing Times Leaders 2015 were announced at a reception on 30 September at Prince Philip House, London. For more information on the reception and for a full list of the winners please click here.