ASSOCIATES
Associates
Andy Aldridge
With over 32 years of dedicated service within the National Health Service (NHS), Andy has amassed a wealth of diverse experience in clinical practice, operational management, and driving improvement initiatives.
In 2015, Andy joined the NHS Emergency Care Improvement Support Team (ECIST), where he has had the privilege of collaborating with numerous acute trusts across England on their improvement journeys. His role has involved working closely with executives and clinical teams to tailor bespoke improvement packages, ensuring that staff at all levels are engaged and empowered to drive and own these transformative changes.
Before his tenure with ECIST, Andy held various pivotal roles within several acute trusts over a span of 23 years. His background includes frontline nursing and management in critical care units, as well as serving as an advanced clinical practitioner. Additionally, he has held senior nursing positions in urgent care and medicine, demonstrating his versatility and depth of expertise.
Operationally, Andy has demonstrated proficiency in managing and optimising patient flow within acute trusts, including overseeing flow at the system level. Throughout his career, Andy has cultivated strong, cohesive teams founded on principles of integrity, respect, and humility, which have been instrumental in achieving sustainable improvements and fostering a culture of excellence.
Natalie Rixon
Natalie is a dedicated advocate for improvement and is deeply committed to fostering psychological safety within healthcare environments to facilitate sustainable improvement for both staff and patients, thereby enhancing the entire health and care system.
With a rich background spanning over two decades within the National Health Service (NHS), Natalie has amassed a wealth of expertise across diverse domains including primary care, contracting, commissioning, acute care (both elective and non-elective), operational management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Specialising in urgent and emergency care, Natalie employs a nurturing coaching and mentoring approach to empower individuals and teams, igniting their potential for excellence. Her journey within healthcare extends from grassroots involvement within local communities to impactful contributions on a national scale, exemplified by her pivotal roles within the NHS Emergency Care Improvement Support Team (ECIST). This broad spectrum of experiences has honed her ability to grasp the intricacies of healthcare dynamics, enabling her to craft strategic and operational plans that foster collaboration and cohesion while maintaining a steadfast focus on objectives.
As a seasoned programme director operating at the system level, Natalie has spearheaded urgent and emergency care initiatives with a demonstrated history of tangible outcomes. She remains unwavering in her dedication to inclusivity, leveraging meaningful engagement to forge connections and drive positive change and innovation within the healthcare landscape.
Nick Holding
Nick brings over two decades of invaluable experience within the National Health Service (NHS), spanning leadership, management, and continuous improvement. His journey has taken him from frontline provider roles to impactful national-level engagements, notably with a national improvement team within the NHS. Before his healthcare career, he honed his skills in the dynamic environments of hospitality, retail and manufacturing.
His expertise in improvement is significant, shaped by intensive training, including immersion with the esteemed Virginia Mason Institute in the United States. What distinguishes Nick is not only his depth of knowledge but also
his exceptional ability to communicate complex improvement concepts in a clear and accessible manner. He excels in breaking down barriers, ensuring that everyone, from frontline staff to executive leadership, grasps and embraces the purpose behind their work.
Nick's humility is evident in his approach. Despite his extensive expertise, he avoids using improvement jargon, instead focusing on fostering genuine buy in and engagement. His inclusive and collaborative approach empowers teams to take ownership of their improvement efforts.
Furthermore, Nick's background as an executive coach and organisational psychologist provides him with a unique skill set. He possesses the insight and empathy necessary to navigate complex organisational dynamics, garnering support at all levels and driving meaningful change.