Sally Innis

Sally Innis – Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children, Croydon CCG

“I started off in the NHS in 1977 as a student nurse and worked across both adults’ and children’s services and I’ve since had a few different roles over my career. In 2001 I specialised in safeguarding and, ten years later, came to Croydon as Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children.

“Safeguarding is a really complex area; I work across the entire health economy and with everyone in Croydon who provides some aspect of health, such as the Council, South London and Maudesley Mental Health Trust and Croydon Health Services.

“Croydon is a really diverse community which is so interesting and also brings its challenges and rewards. The aim is always about how can we make things better for children and their families across the borough – it’s really fulfilling to be able to make that kind of difference. Working with colleagues from different agencies with different perspectives challenges my way of thinking which is always healthy.

“I am genuinely proud to serve the NHS. It is hard work and at times, but the concept of the NHS and what it means really drives me. My father is 97 and remembers life before the NHS; people suffered poor health and couldn’t afford decent healthcare. The NHS changed all that. It’s been through many iterations, and it will continue to change, but at the end of the day, it’s still about the same thing – caring for people and the communities we serve.”