Christine Hunter

Developing experience in strategic hospital leadership, with two years as Director of Clinical Services and prior management roles across the NHS and private healthcare. Skilled in aligning operational plans with organisational vision, enhancing patient safety and experience, and supporting initiatives that improve revenue and margin performance.

Key achievements include:

• Strategic Service Development – Introduced innovative services such as Outpatient Carpal Tunnel, Arthrosamid injection pathways (creating a radiology revenue stream of up to £10,500 per month), and a 23-hour joint discharge programme, balancing safety, experience, and financial sustainability.
• Governance & Compliance – Acted as Registered Manager, maintained CQC evidence portfolios, drafted SLAs for new roles, and chaired safety committees to ensure robust oversight.
• Clinical Trend Analysis & Quality Improvement – Regularly analysed clinical trends, embedded PSIRF frameworks, and implemented structured learning initiatives to drive continuous improvement.
• Investigations & Professional Oversight – Undertook serious incident investigations, consultant reviews, and disciplinary processes where required, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with governance standards.
• Financial Stewardship – Originated and implemented a staff-grade doctor role for post-operative NHS patient management, increasing consultant capacity for private patients, reducing follow-up costs, and attracting higher-margin self-pay and PMI business.
• Innovation & Efficiency – Introduced remote pre-assessment clinics, increasing throughput from six face-to-face patients to 18 telephone consultations daily, freeing space and improving patient satisfaction.
• Leadership & Culture – Supported Heads of Department through coaching and succession planning, and embedded a culture of civility, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Evidence-Based Practice – Implemented evidence-based practices to improve quality of patient care.
• Resource Optimisation – Managed budget controls, leading to optimised use of resources.
• Regulatory Compliance – Ensured compliance with national health regulations, enhancing overall safety standards.
• Workflow Improvement – Streamlined workflows for enhanced productivity and efficiency within the department.

• Developed high-performing teams by recruiting, orienting, and training loyal, hard-working staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Built strong relationships with Consultants, multidisciplinary teams, and hospital-wide staff, gaining respect and driving effective collaboration.
• Managed the clinical operations of the hospital in the absence of the Director of Clinical Services, including staff support, incident management, meetings, and acting as the point of contact for all clinical issues.
• Oversaw Medical Devices management for the hospital, ensuring compliance and safety standards.
• Designed and delivered in-house teaching sessions on critical topics such as Sepsis, Blood Interpretation, and ECG training, improving clinical knowledge and patient safety.
• Facilitated on-site and remote staff training, developing processes and procedures to increase operational accuracy and efficiency.
• Introduced remote working models and optimised patient pathways, increasing throughput and reducing delays in pre-assessment and outpatient services.
• Applied strong communication and conflict-resolution skills to resolve patient complaints with professionalism and compassion, improving satisfaction scores.
• Financial Management – Monitored departmental budgets, controlled costs, and implemented resource optimisation strategies to improve efficiency and maintain financial sustainability.
• Supported revenue generation by improving patient flow and capacity utilisation, enabling increased self-pay and PMI activity.
• Implemented workflow improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency across departments.
• Reduced staff turnover by building a positive, inclusive culture and promoting organisational values.
• Conducted audits and risk assessments to achieve regulatory compliance and maintain CQC standards.
• Led organisational restructures and team changes to boost productivity and operational resilience.
• Championed Continuous Professional Development (CPD) by identifying training needs and creating targeted learning opportunities for staff.
• Actioned feedback from service users to improve patient experience and service delivery.
• Supervised and evaluated staff performance, providing constructive feedback and succession planning.
• Developed and updated internal guidelines and SOPs to standardise care and improve safety.
• Boosted department efficiency by streamlining operational processes.
• Managed team dynamics by implementing conflict resolution strategies.
• Led performance reviews, identified areas for improvement.
• Maintained inventory control, reduced stock shortages.

•Responsibilities and Leadership Impact

• Service Redesign & Revenue Growth – Redesigned the minor procedure schedule to maximise efficiency and productivity without compromising safety. Introduced one-stop minor operations (Varicose Veins, Dermatology), increasing Outpatient revenue by 50% year-on-year. Implemented HCA support for minor procedures and developed competency frameworks to optimise workforce utilisation and reduce costs.
• Patient Flow & Efficiency – Analysed waiting times and restructured nurse-led clinics to improve throughput and organisation. Introduced remote optimisation strategies, reducing delays, freeing clinical space for higher-value activity, and improving patient satisfaction.
• Pre-Assessment Transformation – Overhauled the department by updating policies, implementing buddy systems, and ensuring all staff completed Pre-Assessment training. Delivered measurable improvements in patient safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Triaging & Risk Reduction – Co-led redesign of surgical patient triage aligned with NG45 guidelines, reducing unnecessary tests and almost eradicating same-day cancellations — improving patient satisfaction and generating significant financial savings.
• Governance & Compliance – Established risk assessments, collaborated with Governance Lead and Medical Director to redesign policies, and maintained compliance with CQC standards. Conducted internal inspections within nine months of appointment, achieving Outstanding ratings for both departments.
• Financial Stewardship – Used cancellation data to analyse trends and implement changes that reduced waste and improved profitability. Standardised processes and competencies to ensure cost-effective delivery of care.
• Staff Development & Retention – Led recruitment and retention strategies, creating a positive, rewarding work environment. Delivered CPD opportunities, including ASA teaching, anaemia management, wound care, and manual BP training. Reduced turnover and improved engagement through recognition programmes (GRATIX) and staff huddles.
• Patient Experience & Engagement – Analysed feedback to drive service improvements, introduced “You Said, We Did” initiatives, and displayed patient comments to enhance transparency and satisfaction.
• Operational Excellence – Introduced infection control link members, safety champions, and dementia/dignity champions. Standardised departmental guidelines and competencies to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
• Audit & Performance Monitoring – Collated and improved compliance data (hand hygiene, high-impact interventions) through staff engagement and champion roles.
• Inspection Leadership – Successfully led Outpatients through an unannounced Spire Central infection control inspection in June 2022, achieving Outstanding.
• Customer Care & Reputation – Managed complex complaints with professionalism, improving patient experience and protecting business reputation.
• Environment & Safety – Maintained high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the premises, ensuring patient comfort and compliance with infection control standards.

Enhanced Management & Strategic Leadership – Progressed from leading Pre-Assessment to managing Outpatient and Pre-Assessment services, driving operational excellence, patient safety, and financial performance through innovation and governance.

• Service Redesign & Revenue Growth – Redesigned the minor procedure schedule to maximise efficiency and productivity without compromising safety. Introduced one-stop minor operations (Varicose Veins, Dermatology), increasing Outpatient revenue by 50% year-on-year. Implemented HCA support for minor procedures and developed competency frameworks to optimise workforce utilisation and reduce costs.
• Patient Flow & Efficiency – Analysed waiting times and restructured nurse-led clinics to improve throughput and organisation. Introduced remote optimisation strategies, reducing delays, freeing clinical space for higher-value activity, and improving patient satisfaction.
• Pre-Assessment Transformation – Overhauled the department by updating policies, implementing buddy systems, and ensuring all staff completed Pre-Assessment training. Delivered measurable improvements in patient safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Triaging & Risk Reduction – Co-led redesign of surgical patient triage aligned with NG45 guidelines, reducing unnecessary tests and almost eradicating same-day cancellations — improving patient satisfaction and generating significant financial savings.
• Governance & Compliance – Established risk assessments, collaborated with Governance Lead and Medical Director to redesign policies, and maintained compliance with CQC standards. Conducted internal inspections within nine months of appointment, achieving Outstanding ratings for both departments.
• Financial Stewardship – Used cancellation data to analyse trends and implement changes that reduced waste and improved profitability. Standardised processes and competencies to ensure cost-effective delivery of care.
• Staff Development & Retention – Led recruitment and retention strategies, creating a positive, rewarding work environment. Delivered CPD opportunities, including ASA teaching, anaemia management, wound care, and manual BP training. Reduced turnover and improved engagement through recognition programmes (GRATIX) and staff huddles.
• Patient Experience & Engagement – Analysed feedback to drive service improvements, introduced “You Said, We Did” initiatives, and displayed patient comments to enhance transparency and satisfaction.
• Operational Excellence – Introduced infection control link members, safety champions, and dementia/dignity champions. Standardised departmental guidelines and competencies to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
• Audit & Performance Monitoring – Collated and improved compliance data (hand hygiene, high-impact interventions) through staff engagement and champion roles.
• Inspection Leadership – Successfully led Outpatients through an unannounced Spire Central infection control inspection in June 2022, achieving Outstanding.
• Customer Care & Reputation – Managed complex complaints with professionalism, improving patient experience and protecting business reputation.
• Environment & Safety – Maintained high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the premises, ensuring patient comfort and compliance with infection control standards.

Enhanced Management & Strategic Leadership – Progressed from leading Pre-Assessment to managing Outpatient and Pre-Assessment services, driving operational excellence, patient safety, and financial performance through innovation, governance, and team development.

• Service Redesign & Revenue Growth – Redesigned the minor procedure schedule to maximise efficiency and productivity without compromising safety. Introduced one-stop minor operations (Varicose Veins, Dermatology), increasing Outpatient revenue by 50% year-on-year. Implemented HCA support for minor procedures and developed competency frameworks to optimise workforce utilisation and reduce costs.
• Patient Flow & Efficiency – Analysed waiting times and restructured nurse-led clinics to improve throughput and organisation. Introduced remote optimisation strategies, reducing delays, freeing clinical space for higher-value activity, and improving patient satisfaction.
• Pre-Assessment Transformation – Overhauled the department by updating policies, implementing buddy systems, and ensuring all staff completed Pre-Assessment training. Delivered measurable improvements in patient safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Triaging & Risk Reduction – Co-led redesign of surgical patient triage aligned with NG45 guidelines, reducing unnecessary tests and almost eradicating same-day cancellations — improving patient satisfaction and generating significant financial savings.
• Governance & Compliance – Established risk assessments, collaborated with Governance Lead and Medical Director to redesign policies, and maintained compliance with CQC standards. Conducted internal inspections within nine months of appointment, achieving Outstanding ratings for both departments.
• Financial Stewardship – Used cancellation data to analyse trends and implement changes that reduced waste and improved profitability. Standardised processes and competencies to ensure cost-effective delivery of care.
• Staff Development & Retention – Led recruitment and retention strategies, creating a positive, rewarding work environment. Delivered CPD opportunities, including ASA teaching, anaemia management, wound care, and manual BP training. Reduced turnover and improved engagement through recognition programmes (GRATIX) and staff huddles.
• Patient Experience & Engagement – Analysed feedback to drive service improvements, introduced “You Said, We Did” initiatives, and displayed patient comments to enhance transparency and satisfaction.
• Operational Excellence – Introduced infection control link members, safety champions, and dementia/dignity champions. Standardised departmental guidelines and competencies to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
• Audit & Performance Monitoring – Collated and improved compliance data (hand hygiene, high-impact interventions) through staff engagement and champion roles.
• Inspection Leadership – Successfully led Outpatients through an unannounced Spire Central infection control inspection in June 2022, achieving Outstanding.
• Customer Care & Reputation – Managed complex complaints with professionalism, improving patient experience and protecting business reputation.
• Environment & Safety – Maintained high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the premises, ensuring patient comfort and compliance with infection control standards.

• Conducted comprehensive medical histories to assess patient suitability for surgery, ensuring accurate risk stratification and safe surgical planning.
• Managed day wards, preparing patients for surgery and coordinating workflow to prevent delays to theatre schedules.
• Evaluated patient safety through detailed respiratory, cardiac, and hemodynamic monitoring, escalating concerns promptly.
• Ordered, interpreted, and actioned diagnostic test results to support clinical decision-making and optimise patient outcomes.
• Maintained service efficiency by prioritising workload according to clinical urgency and patient needs.
• Designed and implemented individualised nursing care plans for surgical patients, ensuring adherence to best practice standards.
• Collaborated closely with surgical teams and multidisciplinary professionals regarding patient medications and perioperative care.
• Assessed patients for discharge readiness, ensuring compliance with protocols and safe transition of care.

• Prepared operating rooms to meet specific surgical requirements, ensuring readiness and compliance with safety standards.
• Managed and executed the on-call system, providing responsive support for urgent surgical needs.
• Evaluated theatre equipment for cleanliness and functionality, guaranteeing optimal conditions for patient safety.
• Prevented disruptions by proactively stocking supplies and equipment according to surgical lists and priorities.
• Oversaw theatre lists and coordinated staff allocation to maintain smooth workflow and timely procedures.
• Prepared specialised equipment including endoscopes, microscopes, and lasers for surgical use, ensuring precision and reliability.
• Maintained sterile fields and assisted in infection control measures to minimise risk and uphold best practice standards.

• Prepared operating rooms to meet specific surgical requirements, ensuring readiness and compliance with safety and infection control standards.
• Managed theatre lists and coordinated staffing to maintain smooth workflow and timely procedures.
• Carried out on-call duties, providing responsive support for urgent surgical needs.
• Evaluated theatre equipment for cleanliness and functionality, guaranteeing optimal conditions for patient safety.
• Prevented disruptions by proactively stocking supplies and equipment according to surgical schedules and priorities.
• Prepared specialised equipment including endoscopes, microscopes, and lasers for surgical use, ensuring precision and reliability.
• Maintained sterile fields and assisted in infection control measures to minimise risk and uphold best practice standards.