IMPOWER’s Heroes of 2022: Nikki Pownall, Lincolnshire

Nikki Pownall is the System Flow Director in Lincolnshire, and in my opinion has been a hero for the patients and staff here.  Through the (large and daily) challenges posed by the current health and social care environment, Nikki has gone above and beyond every day, always with a smile on her face and a joke to tell, ensuring that patients are able to access the care they need.

One of things that really inspires me about Nikki is the way she has built relationships with colleagues across the acute trust, community trust, local authority and wider provider market, culminating in the pre-Christmas Breaking the Lock part 2. Nikki has been a tireless advocate for patients, always putting their needs first and working tirelessly to promote home first as a principle. There are far fewer patients waiting in hospital while medically fit, and many more have been able to go home as a result of her efforts.

Overall, Nikki’s dedication and passion for improving the patient experience in Lincolnshire has been truly inspiring. She is a true hero of 2022, and we are lucky to have her leading the charge in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. Her efforts have made a real difference in the lives of countless individuals (including ours as the team working with her), and for that, we are truly grateful.