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Creating strong relationships with our communities

Meet Our People: Vicki Bean

We never stand still

As an organisation, we are continuously evolving and our commercial team form an important part in our plans for growth, partnerships and innovation, whilst continuing to provide outstanding services to patients across the country. In this week’s blog, we speak to Vicki Bean, a member of our Commercial Team and HUC’s Head of Market Development.

Before joining HUC in May 2020, Vicki already had an in-depth understanding of the role urgent care providers like us played within the NHS. Previously, she had worked at what was then the Luton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST). But it was our breadth of services and the unique position of an NHS 111 provider and the opportunities that brought with it which attracted her to the role. “I had experience of different parts of the system and could really see the ongoing potential of NHS 111 and how this wide-reaching service could make even more of an impact, and the opportunities that meant for greater collaboration across the system.”

Although it wasn’t just Vicki’s interest in NHS 111 which made working for HUC an attractive choice. “One of my areas of responsibility at Luton CCG was the Integrated Urgent Care contract. This meant meeting regularly with HUC and I always enjoyed our positive working relationship. I really liked the people and felt the organisation came across as dynamic and that there was an opportunity to be part of something that doesn’t stand still, and that’s exciting!” she continues to say.

Now just over two years into her career at HUC, as Head of Market Development Vicki plays a key role in the opportunities available to HUC. “A vital part of my role is engagement and relationships, this could be reaching out within our current footprint to ensure we are proactively working with our system partners, as well as ensuring we are represented appropriately within the newly formed Integrated Care Systems (ICS) of which we are part of. I also regularly check in with a variety of stakeholders to identify where we may be able to add value. This information then helps us build a picture and identify whether there are opportunities for joint working in line with HUC’s strategy.” Vicki elaborates.

Vicki Bean

We have a fantastic Commercial team

“To work for an organisation that genuinely looks into diversification and is not rigid in its approach is brilliant. We are always on the lookout for different opportunities that our existing infrastructure and services may lend themselves to. I really enjoy the variety of the role and the freedom to research and investigate, it allows me to channel my inner detective which I love!” Vicki also thrives within the flexibility HUC has when it comes to business development and expansion of the services we provide.

“I work within a fantastic Commercial team; we support and respect each other and have a great synergy. I am also fortunate that my role enables me to speak to HUC colleagues from across different directorates, which is great for expanding my knowledge. My manager Sarah is empowering and encouraging, and I continue to learn and develop both professionally and personally whilst being part of her team,” says Vicki as she continues to elaborate on what she enjoys about her role and HUC.

What's next at HUC?

Vicki’s background has meant she is very experienced and knowledgeable in many services the NHS provides, however, she cites learning about a new area within healthcare as a real accomplishment since she has been at HUC. “Primary Care is a part of the system that I was unfamiliar with, as the lion’s share of my experience had been with urgent, emergency, and planned care. But I now feel I have a solid understanding and am confident when having discussions and thinking about ideas where we can work with primary care colleagues for the benefit of patients and the system.”

So, what’s next for Vicki and her career at HUC? “It’s an exciting time to work here, there is so much happening and so many opportunities as a result of that. I am looking forward to the continued evolution of the ICSs and Neighbourhood Teams and what that could mean for HUC. I’m also reaching out across our new footprint in the South West – getting to know a new area! We really are all part of something larger that continues to evolve and makes a difference, and that is really important to me.”