TRAILBLAZER

Name : Stephanie West Job Title : Head of the School of Health and Care Management Company : Arden University

Could you please introduce yourself and your role and tell us about your healthcare education ? “ I am Stephanie West , Head of the School of Health and Care Management at Arden University . I have been with Arden since November 2020 and , throughout 2021 I have been working hard to build the identity and strategy for our nascent school . I am an optician by profession and began my academic career in the Schools of Optometry at Anglia Ruskin and City , University of London . I have worked at various universities around the UK since then , branching out into all areas of quality assurance , student experience and work integrated learning in Nursing , Allied Health Professions , Social Sciences and Management .”

What are your healthcare habits ? “ I live by the belief that preventative and self-care healthcare habits are best . Ensuring that you have the recommended regular eye tests , visits to the dentist and remain mindful of any changes in your own physical , mental and emotional health is so important .

“ It is equally important to manage your own expectations and lifestyle to stay healthy . This is as simple as trying to have balance : allowing yourself treats ( cake , wine etc .), making time to have breaks from a busy life and scheduling fun / playtime as well .”

How has the healthcare industry changed since you started working here ? “ The industry has changed in the intensity and expectations put onto the services and people working in the sector . The population is constantly increasing , people everywhere now have increased physical and mental health needs which are more complex ; expectations are higher with regards to accessibility , availability and immediacy . Technological advances are beneficial , but the workforce needs time to train and gain confidence in new practices , processes , equipment and software , which is being introduced all the time .”

16 March 2022