This week marks the 10th anniversary of Consultant Connect – an important milestone that also brings a change in leadership. Co-founder and CEO Jonathan Patrick has passed the reins over to two long-standing colleagues, Kat James and Lucy Sammons, who now take on the role of Managing Directors.
We sat down with them to hear more about their journey, what is next for Consultant Connect and the NHS, and what they enjoy outside of work.
Meet Kat James:
Can you introduce yourself and your role?
I joined Consultant Connect in early 2018 and focus primarily on our new project initiatives. My team and I work closely with NHS colleagues from across hospitals, primary care and ICBs to identify and design improvements to local Advice & Guidance (A&G). Sometimes, this involves bringing in our technology to make A&G and triage more reliable and scalable. In other cases, we help address waiting list backlogs by connecting hospital teams with clinical capacities from our National Consultant Network to deliver management plans and reduce patient waiting times.
What’s next for Consultant Connect and the NHS?
When we first started, we focused on phone services and were complementary to written A&G on e-RS. As of this year, we’re running ALL A&G channels, including e-RS, allowing us to optimise large-scale projects no matter if the clinicians choose phone, instant messaging, or written channels on e-RS. Our new e-RS Connect overlay lets consultants deliver e-RS A&G in half the time. It’s making e-RS much more attractive to use, which means faster responses for GPs and better outcomes for patients – a win for all involved.
What are your three pleasures outside of work?
I enjoy music gigs (I loved Glastonbury last weekend – from the comfort of my sofa though), good wine with friends and time in nature with my husband and two daughters.
Meet Lucy Sammons:
Can you introduce yourself and your role?
I’ve been with Consultant Connect since October 2019, and I lead the delivery side of our work. My team of 20+ Account Managers ensures that all of our A&G and triage projects achieve the best possible uptake and ultimately the best outcomes for patients. Last year alone, we supported over three-quarters of a million episodes of A&G and cases of triage through our clinical resources. My favourite part of the role is engaging with NHS colleagues daily to hear their feedback and ideas for project improvement and expansion. Spending time with the on-the-ground teams helps ensure our work supports and benefits them as much as possible.
What’s the next exciting development for Consultant Connect and the NHS?
We’re developing a number of new automations within our platform that will make it even faster for clinicians to use all whilst improving our reporting capabilities even further. Our close relationships with users, project teams, and commissioners drive all of this. I also chair our Advisory Group, where we gather structured feedback more formally from users across the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales. If anyone is interested in joining our next Advisory Group meeting this autumn, I’d love to hear from you!
What are your three pleasures outside of work?
Spas, Sushi and a good book (and if they’re all in the same day – even better!)
We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in learning more about Consultant Connect or discussing how we could support your NHS area: Email us on info@consultantconnect.org.uk or call us on 01865 261 467
