A DOCTOR at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is part of a prestigious national programme to develop future healthcare leaders.

Dr Elaine Winkley, a consultant anaesthetist within the trust, has been awarded a place on a year-long scholarship at The Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA).

She will focus her efforts on further improving sustainability within the trust and striving to reduce waste by increasing recycling.

Dr Winkley said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen to be part of this prestigious programme to help inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.

“As a trust, we’re committed to reducing the environmental impact of our activities and becoming a more sustainable organisation.

“While we’ve made great strides in this area, I’m excited to be leading work to increase recycling as part of my scholarship while encouraging colleagues to play a part in making healthcare greener.”

Marion Dickson, executive director for nursing, midwifery, allied health professionals, surgery and community services at Northumbria Healthcare, said: “We support our staff to develop their leadership skills and we are very proud that Dr Winkley is part of this scheme to nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders.

“Being more environmentally-friendly is a key priority for us and we always welcome new ideas to help drive this forward.”