Debra Hickman
“Wolverhampton has a strong place in my heart as this is where my roots are and predominantly where my career has been and continues to be.”
Debra started her nursing career in Wolverhampton in 1987 and went onto train and qualify as a Midwife five years later. She worked across the Black Country before returning to Wolverhampton and undertaking a variety of leadership roles including Head of Midwifery, Head of Nursing and Deputy Chief Nurse. She spent three years gaining experience of the Welsh Healthcare System at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, holding Senior Nurse Leadership positions.
Debra is currently the Executive Director for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, providing leadership and oversight to these professional groups. She is also the Senior Responsible Officer for Quality and Safety and the Director for Infection Prevention for the Trust.
She has led on a range of transformations throughout her career including service reorganisations and expansions for services both within Wolverhampton and surrounding areas.
Having recently joined the OneWolverhampton Board Debra has a keen interest in service provision that meets the needs of community and that the voice of the people served underpins the work of OneWolverhampton.
OneWolverhampton provides a huge opportunity for the residents of the city by working together to make a difference for our population. Looking at where and how we deliver services, targeting where services are needed most, removing barriers, and making them accessible to those that need them.
Success is seeing improvements in our population health data first and foremost– whether this be vaccination uptake, screening uptake, reducing waiting, but also ensuring that service user feedback is central to what we do. Debra likes to spend her spare time with family and exploring local areas, whether that be a dog walk, a run or catching up for a coffee, she has been known to partake / attend the odd sporting.