60 seconds with...Zoe Tribble | Our news

Zoe Tribble is the first ever Mile End member of the Barts Health Women's Network. In this 60 seconds, she tells us about her involvement with the Women's Network and the role of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

What is your role here at Barts Health NHS Trust and what does it involve?

I am Senior Nurse for integrated Paediatrics and clinical lead for the Mile End Hospital Site.

As senior nurse for integrated Paeds, I am responsible for the management and performance of the Children’s outpatients department, the Paediatric Acute Short Stay Unit (PASSU) as well as community children’s nursing services. Currently, I am working on the Children’s Hospital @ Home pilot which will see children go home earlier or stop being admitted to hospital in the first place. 

As clinical lead for MEH, I work with the MEH leadership team and I am responsible for ensuring the clinical governance for the site is robust and that our patients receive the best care possible. 

How did you hear about the Women’s Network?

The Co-Chair of the Women’s network, Helen Byrne, invited me to join to encourage staff at MEH to have more of a voice within the Women’s Network.

What made you want to join?

I believe that a well-functioning organisation is one that listens to all of its workers. Diversity and inclusivity is vital and, although equality is improving for women, we have a lot of work to do. There are many women at MEH who may not have had a voice before – I wanted to ensure that they are heard too.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing women in healthcare currently?

From a workforce perspective, it is interesting to note that around 80% of the NHS is made up of female employees. However, you only have to look around the table at senior leadership meetings to see that this ratio is not seen higher up the employment ladder, even in traditionally female dominated roles such as nursing. In fact, only 47% of very senior manager roles in the NHS are held by women. I would like to think that networks such as this can help to empower women to be healthcare leaders by increasing their confidence, encouraging growth and professional development which will eventually redress the balance.

What women do you look up to/who inspires you?

I come from a family of strong women. My mum raised me on her own while holding down two jobs. She taught me that “you don’t get owt for nowt” and encouraged me to work hard and aim high. At the age of 18, when I was trying to decide what to do with my life, she told me that, whatever you choose to do, make sure you do good. So I became a nurse. 

What is something staff might not know about you?

I was born in Bart's hospital and I come from a family of Salvationists. My parents met when both sets of grandparents were stationed at Booth House on Whitechapel Road, a Salvation Army run hostel that cared for men who were homeless. Although it’s been a while since I attended a Salvation Army meeting,  I often walk past the statues of William and Catherine Booth on the way to MEH and quietly give thanks. If it weren’t for them, I may never have existed!