Wirral NHS trusts celebrate staff neurodiversity and its impact on patient care

For Neurodiversity Celebration Week, staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WUTH) and Wirral Community Health and Care (WCHC) have shared their experiences of neurodiversity in the workplace to highlight how different ways of thinking can strengthen teams and improve patient care.

For Nicky Williams, Community Cardiology Service Lead at WCHC, a recent diagnosis of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has helped her reflect on the qualities that have shaped her career.

Nicky is a visual thinker and problem solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges. She said: “I can see the bigger picture, share a vision and inspire people to work towards it.”

That style of thinking helped drive a major transformation in heart failure services across Wirral to improve care for patients. Nicky mapped out ideas for a new model of care focused on identifying heart failure earlier, treating patients sooner and supporting people to stay well at home. This resulted in earlier diagnosis and treatment.

She said: “We’re now recognised as one of the leaders in heart failure care. That’s something the whole team should be really proud of.”

Nicky sought an ADHD assessment after reaching menopause as the drop in oestrogen further impacted challenges she had faced around attention, organisation, emotional regulation and cognitive fatigue.

She said: “Getting a diagnosis helped me understand why tasks like organising my day or maintaining focus became harder. I now use strategies and tools such as note-taking apps and pacing myself throughout the day. Sharing my specific challenges with colleagues has also helped. It has also created a culture where we can support each other better.”

For Rosie Hoyle, Maternity Ward Manager at WUTH, receiving a diagnosis of autism and ADHD as an adult has also helped her better understand the strengths she brings to her leadership role.

She said: “My diagnosis helped me understand why I had sometimes struggled academically, but it also helped me recognise the things I’m good at.

“One of the traits of autism and ADHD is the ability to hyperfocus. I enjoy researching information and analysing data, and I find I can work well under pressure.”

The two trusts have staff networks to support colleagues with hidden disabilities and long-term health conditions, including neurodivergent staff.

Emma Ashley, Staff Inclusion and Engagement Lead said: “The networks provide a supportive space where colleagues can share their experiences and learn from one another.

“Many disabilities and conditions, including neurodivergence, are not visible. By raising awareness and encouraging open conversations, we will improve understanding ensure staff feel confident asking for the support or adjustments they may need.”

Janelle Holmes, Joint Chief Executive said: “Creating an environment where colleagues are comfortable being open about neurodiversity is an important part of building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. I’m grateful to colleagues like Nicky and Rosie for sharing their experiences during the week.”

Ends

Additional Information:

• Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
• 'Neurodiversity' refers to the natural diversity in human brains. Neurodivergence is the term for when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered "typical". Some neurodivergent conditions include: 

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia (also called Developmental Coordination Disorder, or DCD)
• Dyscalculia

These conditions very often co-occur and many symptoms overlap.

(Source What is neurodiversity? |Neurodiversity RCN| Peer Support Service | Royal College of Nursing)

Photo 1: Nicky Williams, Community Cardiology Service Lead

Photo 2: Nicky Williams speaking at the launch of the Heart Failure Transformation Project

Photo 3: Rosie Hoyle, Maternity Ward Manager with colleague Zoe Sewell