Freshwater launches advisory panel of expert NHS communicators
Freshwater has recruited some of the UK’s most experienced NHS communications and engagement professionals to provide expert advice to the health and care sector.
The Healthcare Expert Advisers Panel is made up of communications and engagement professionals who each have decades of experience working at the most senior levels in the NHS, government and medical Royal Colleges.
The experts provide rapid support to Freshwater’s health and social care clients and give strategic advice across a broad range of specialisms, from engagement and consultation to crisis and issues management and behavioural change programmes.
Nick Samuels, Executive Director of Healthcare at Freshwater, said: “The development of the Healthcare Expert Advisers Panel is a great addition to our specialist healthcare team.
“Being able to provide clients with instant access to the highest levels of skills and knowledge means organisations working with Freshwater can expect to receive support that not only meets but exceeds their mission and objectives.”
Led by John Underwood, Freshwater Board Director, former award-winning journalist and former Director of Communications for the Labour Party; and Nick Samuels, Executive Director of Freshwater Healthcare carrying more than 25 years’ NHS communications leadership experience, the panel includes:
- Jane Meggitt, current Director of Communications at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust;
- Victoria Parker, former Director of Communications at the Royal Berkshire Hospital;
- Nick Duffin, former Chief Executive of the Consultation Institute; and
- David Woodthorpe, NHS England’s former Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement for the Midlands and East.
The launch of the Healthcare Expert Advisers Panel follows Freshwater’s reappointment to a major NHS Framework earlier this year. The NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) Framework Agreement supports the NHS in procuring high quality consultancy and advisory services, and the reappointment cements Freshwater’s position as a leading UK communications and engagement agency.