Donald Finlayson Crichton

I manage a dynamic team focusing on improving public and patient engagement in the planning and design of NHS services across Scotland.

Using national guidance we ensure NHS Boards and Partnerships are involving the public in service changes from the earliest stages.

We have built a significant network across the NHS in Scotland and with public partners that provides the environment for good communication and networking to inform decision making in the design and development of NHS services.

I have provided support to senior management with strategic advice on the Scottish political landscape and the potential policy developments taking place in the next few years.

As Area Manager for the North of Scotland I led a team that provided support and guidance to NHS Boards and Partnerships on developing their services by involving patient and public participation.

Managing a team remotely, I created a positive working environment, empowering my team to develop their expertise and innovative ways of working in a challenging setting. I travelled extensively through the North of Scotland supporting my team and working with colleagues to improve public engagement involvement in NHS services.

I grew positive and beneficial relationships with NHS colleagues and NHS partners to foster collaboration and partnership in the design and delivery of NHS services.

Provided advice and support to Local Western Isles NHS Board on all aspects of public engagement.

I worked closely with senior board executives to provide guidance on developing strategies and direction on fostering good public participation in the designing local NHS services.

I assessed public participation activities against national guidance and provided recommendations on plans for improvement for engaging the public across the Western Isles.

I provided Confederation members with briefings on Parliamentary business relating to NHS Scotland and liaised with Press and Media.

I organised events for NHS Chairs and Chief Executives and had dialogue with Scottish Government Ministers and Officials.

Working in a small team I monitored newspaper, TV and radio political news on a daily basis and provided detailed briefings for MPs, Government Ministers and Party Officials.

I worked to tight deadlines to provide accurate and up to date monitoring in a fast moving political and media environment.

I worked on all aspects of European funding and policy development for the local authority at a time of intensive activity securing EU funding for multi million pound projects to improve the infrastructure of the Western Isles.

I liaised with local, regional and EU partners at the highest levels on developing funding bids for various projects.

Working closely with Councillors and senior officers I developed excellent networking and communication skills.

I worked for the Western Isles MP, coordinating constituency casework, and researching policy developments relevant to the Western Isles.

I worked closely with local councillors, MPs and Government Ministers. I kept the MP informed of local and national political developments and liaised with the local and national media.