County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust will mark the retirement of its Executive Director of Nursing, Noel Scanlon, on 6 December, after nearly a decade of leadership and dedication to the Trust.
Reflecting on his career, Noel describes how his nursing journey began in a large mental health hospital in the West Country, where his passion for the caring profession was sparked.
Specialising in cancer nursing at the Royal Marsden in London, Noel advanced through various educational and management roles, ultimately becoming a Director of Nursing in 2002.
His tenure at CDDFT, spanning nearly ten years, is his longest and, by his account, the most fulfilling phase of his career.
Noel's contributions to the Trust are manifold. He played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, mobilising staff across disciplines and ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and colleagues.
Under his leadership, CDDFT maintained adequate PPE supplies and fostered an environment of collaboration that many colleagues described as while demanding also deeply rewarding.
Beyond the pandemic, Noel has spearheaded transformative changes in nursing and midwifery recruitment and retention, leading to a fully established workforce. His efforts brought more than 400 international nurses to the Trust.
Noel also strengthened partnerships with universities, enhancing opportunities for education and development for healthcare professionals.
Noel’s tenure is also marked by a deep commitment to celebrating nursing and allied health professions, creating events that encourage innovation and learning.
Reflecting on his journey, he credits the Trust's success to the collective dedication and professionalism of its workforce.
As Noel prepares to step down, the Trust warmly welcomes Kathryn Burn into her new role. With her extensive experience and leadership as Deputy Director, she is well-positioned to build on the strong foundation laid by Noel.
The Trust extends its heartfelt thanks to Noel for his service and wishes him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
